Temporary Protected Status Lawyer Woodbridge, VA
A Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is provided to nationals of specific countries who may be at risk if deported to their home country or if that country has a compromised ability to prevent the return of individuals deported from the U.S. It’s intended to extend a safe haven for individuals already in the U.S. when problems in their home country make their removal unsafe or untenable.
If you are concerned about your safety or that of your family if you are deported, you may be eligible to apply for TPS. Our experienced Woodbridge, VA, temporary protected status lawyer can review your situation, verify that your home country is on the U.S. Customs and Immigration (USCIS) eligibility list, and advise you of your next steps to preserve your legal status in the U.S.
At The Law Offices of Ricky Malik, P.C., we take your safety and security seriously and want to help you. Contact us today to learn more about your eligibility for TPS.
What is Temporary Protected Status?
The 1990 Immigration Act established a temporary immigration status to protect nationals of countries that may be engaged in an ongoing armed conflict, facing a natural disaster, or experiencing other extraordinary conditions. Due to these situations, these countries often cannot handle the return of their nationals. TPS recipients who are in the U.S. receive a work permit and a stay of removal.
A country may be designated for temporary protected status for many reasons; these are some of the most recent ones:
- An environmental disaster, such as a hurricane, volcano eruption, or earthquake that caused a substantial disruption of infrastructure and overall living conditions
- An epidemic of disease
- Civil war or other armed conflicts that pose severe safety risks to returning nationals
For the nationals of a country to receive TPS, that country must be suffering temporary yet extraordinary conditions that preclude its nationals from returning safely.
TPS designations may be 6, 12, or 18 months; the Secretary of State determines whether to extend TPS or terminate it 60 days before the TPS expires, so it’s important to monitor the Federal Register for these decisions. Furthermore, TPS is not automatically granted to nationals from countries with TPS designation. Each person must register for TPS to lawfully remain in the U.S.
How Can a Woodbridge Temporary Protected Status Lawyer Help Me?
U.S. Customs and Immigration regulations can be confusing, especially for someone who doesn’t know the laws and may not understand the language very well. If you’re already residing in the U.S. and your home country is placed on the TPS list, then an attorney can help you file for protective status and monitor the termination or extension of your status.
While TPS does not automatically grant a green card, it can give you a little more time as a lawful resident of the U.S. so you can file your green card application and await a decision.
The Law Offices of Ricky Malik, P.C. can help you If you’re facing a removal to a home country disrupted by war or chaos. Contact us today to speak with an experienced Woodbridge temporary protected status lawyer.