Temporary Protected Status
Temporary Protected Status is a temporary status granted to citizens of certain countries who are unable to safely return to their home country due to armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary circumstances.
If a citizen of one of the countries that have been designated by the President of the U.S. to qualify for temporary protected status, individuals may be able to apply for temporary protected status as a defense against deportation. Individuals may apply for temporary protected status even if they are not currently in removal proceedings.
The following countries are currently designated for temporary protected status:
- El Salvador
- Honduras
- Nicaragua
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Haiti
To qualify for temporary protected status, individuals must demonstrate that they:
- Have been continuously physically present in the U.S. since the effective date of the most recent designation of their country
- Have continuously resided in the U.S. since the date designated by the Attorney General for their country
- Have not been convicted of a felony or two or more misdemeanors
- Have not persecuted others
- Registered for temporary protected status during a designated registration period or qualify for late registration
The specific requirements with regard to designated dates and registration periods vary by country. Citizens of any of the above-listed countries may want to consider contacting our office to determine if they qualify for temporary protected status.