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How long does temporary protected status last?

On Behalf of | Jan 23, 2025 | IMMIGRATION & NATURALIZATION - Immigration

It’s hard to leave your home and country behind and go to a place where the customs and language are unfamiliar. However, that’s the reality for those who come to the United States from countries torn apart by wars, violence and natural disasters.

The United States offers Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to such people so that they may have a safe place to live and work.

What’s the difference between asylum and TPS?

Both asylum and TPS are protections offered by the United States to people from other countries. However, there are some key differences.

Asylum is for those who fled from their country because they were being persecuted or they had realistic fear they would be persecuted due to their race, political opinion, ethnicity or religion. They must be at a U.S. point of entry or already in the country and are unable to return to their home country.

To receive TPS, a person must have immigrated from a country designated by the U.S. government for TPS eligibility. This may be due to environmental disasters, armed conflict or other extraordinary, ongoing conditions that make it unsafe for them to return home.

Furthermore, the person must already be in the United States and have been here since the most recent date of a country’s TPS status. There is a specific registration period in which people can apply. Once their status is approved, they can temporarily live and work in the United States.

The TPS designation lasts for a specific period, usually from 6 to 18 months. Sometimes, if a country is still deemed to be unsafe, the U.S. can extend the TPS. People with TPS need to re-register for each extension period.

The TPS system can be confusing for immigrants. Fortunately, resources and people are available to help with the process.