Living with uncertainty about your future in the United States can be a heavy burden. For individuals from countries facing armed conflict or environmental disasters, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) can offer a vital sense of security and a chance to work and live here safely. But the application process is detailed and has strict deadlines.
Working with a dedicated Tampa TPS lawyer can provide the clarity and support you need to present your case effectively. At Ragheb Law PLLC, we understand that this is more than just a legal filing; it’s about your stability, your family, and your ability to build a life here in the Tampa Bay community.
Key Takeaways about Temporary Protected Status
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a temporary immigration status granted to eligible nationals of specific countries designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security.
- TPS allows individuals to remain in the U.S. and obtain work authorization but does not, by itself, provide a direct path to lawful permanent residency.
- Eligibility for TPS depends on the applicant's nationality, their continuous residence and physical presence in the U.S. from specific dates, and admissibility criteria.
- Filing for TPS involves strict registration and re-registration deadlines; missing a deadline can result in the loss of status.
- While TPS is a temporary benefit, a recipient may be able to pursue other immigration options, such as a family-based green card, if they qualify separately.
Why Choose Ragheb Law PLLC?
At Ragheb Law PLLC, we believe your story deserves personal attention from an attorney who truly understands your position. Our founding attorney, Caroline Ragheb, is an immigrant and the child of immigrants. This firsthand experience shapes our firm's compassionate and client-focused approach. We know the immigration system can feel impersonal and confusing, which is why we are committed to being your direct point of contact. You won’t be passed off to a case manager; you’ll speak directly with your lawyer.
Our commitment to you includes:
- Direct Attorney Access: You will have a direct line to your attorney to ask questions and receive updates on your case.
- Empathetic Guidance: We handle every case with the empathy and respect it deserves, informed by our own immigration journeys.
- Thorough Case Preparation: We take the time to understand every detail of your situation to build a strong and complete application.
- Clear Communication: We explain complex legal matters in simple, understandable terms, so you always feel informed and in control.
We are dedicated to providing clear, honest guidance that empowers you to make the best decisions for your future in the U.S.
Hear From Our Clients
Understanding Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Temporary Protected Status, often called TPS, is a humanitarian program offered by the United States government. It is granted to people who are already in the U.S. but whose home countries are considered unsafe for them to return to. The reasons for a country being designated for TPS often involve ongoing armed conflict, an environmental disaster like an earthquake or hurricane, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions.
The Secretary of Homeland Security is responsible for designating which countries qualify for TPS. If you are granted TPS, you receive important protections and benefits.
- You cannot be deported from the United States for as long as your TPS is valid.
- You can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which is a work permit.
- You may be able to get permission to travel outside of the U.S. and return.
It’s important to remember that TPS is a temporary benefit. It does not automatically grant you a green card or U.S. citizenship, but it provides a safe harbor while conditions in your home country remain dangerous.
Who Is Eligible for TPS in Florida?
To be eligible for TPS, you must meet a set of specific criteria established by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Each country’s TPS designation has its own unique dates and requirements, but the general rules are consistent. An experienced TPS lawyer can help determine if your personal circumstances align with these requirements.
Generally, an applicant must:
- Be a national of a country currently designated for TPS. You can find a complete list of TPS-designated countries on the official USCIS website.
- File the application during the open initial registration or re-registration period for your country.
- Have been continuously physically present in the U.S. since the effective date of your country’s most recent designation.
- Have been continuously residing in the U.S. since the date specified for your country.
Certain factors can make a person ineligible for TPS, such as having been convicted of any felony or two or more misdemeanors committed in the U.S. A detailed review of your history is a critical step in the process.
How a Tampa TPS Lawyer Can Assist with Your Application
Applying for TPS involves much more than filling out a form. It requires gathering extensive evidence to prove your identity, nationality, and presence in the United States. The primary forms, Form I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status) and Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization), must be completed perfectly. Any small mistake or missing document could lead to delays or even a denial.
An immigration attorney helps by carefully reviewing your situation, identifying the necessary evidence, and preparing your application package to meet USCIS standards. This support is especially valuable when dealing with issues that could complicate your case, such as a past arrest or a gap in your residency documentation. By managing the details and deadlines, a lawyer helps you present the strongest case possible.
What if I Have a Criminal Record or Other Legal Issues?
Past legal troubles don't automatically disqualify you from TPS, but they do make the application more complex. The U.S. government has rules about "inadmissibility," which are reasons a person may be barred from receiving immigration benefits. Certain criminal convictions are grounds for inadmissibility and can make you ineligible for TPS.
Even if you were arrested but not convicted, or if the issue seems minor, it is critical to address it properly in your application. Failing to disclose a past incident can have serious consequences. A lawyer can assess your complete history, determine how it might affect your eligibility, and advise on whether a waiver or other legal remedy is available. This proactive approach is key to protecting your ability to remain in the country.
Life Beyond TPS: Exploring a Path to Permanent Residence
One of the most common questions people ask is whether TPS leads to a green card. On its own, it does not. However, having TPS does not stop you from pursuing other pathways to lawful permanent residence if you are otherwise eligible. Think of TPS as a temporary bridge that keeps you safe while you explore more permanent solutions.
For some, an opportunity to adjust their status may arise. Common pathways include:
- Family-Based Petitions: Being sponsored by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child.
- Employment-Based Visas: If a U.S. employer sponsors you for a position and you meet the qualifications.
- Asylum: If you can prove you have a well-founded fear of persecution in your home country.
Each of these paths has its own set of complex requirements. A knowledgeable immigration attorney can help you understand if you qualify for any of these or other options. You can learn more about the different Green Card Eligibility Categories from USCIS.
Tampa TPS FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions we receive about Temporary Protected Status.
What happens if my country's TPS designation ends?
If your country's TPS designation is terminated, your status will expire on the final date announced by the government. You will revert to the immigration status you held before receiving TPS, unless you have secured another legal status in the meantime. This is why it is so important to explore other long-term immigration options while you have TPS.
Can I travel outside the U.S. if I have TPS?
TPS recipients may apply for travel authorization, often called advance parole, by filing Form I-131. If USCIS approves your request, you can travel abroad and be allowed to re-enter the U.S. Traveling without obtaining advance parole first can result in the loss of your TPS status and you may not be permitted to return.
How much does it cost to apply for TPS?
The cost includes government filing fees for the TPS application (Form I-821) and the work permit application (Form I-765), plus a biometrics (fingerprinting) fee. Fees can change, so it's always best to check the USCIS website for the most current amounts before filing. Some applicants may be eligible for a fee waiver based on their income.
What kind of documents do I need to prove I've been in the U.S. continuously?
Evidence of your continuous presence can include a variety of documents, such as employment records (pay stubs), rent receipts or utility bills, school records for your children, hospital or medical records, and signed affidavits from friends or religious leaders who can attest to your presence.
Can my family members also get TPS?
TPS is granted on an individual basis. Your spouse and children must each apply for TPS on their own and prove they independently meet all eligibility requirements, including being a national of the designated country and meeting the continuous presence and residence dates.
Our Immigration Resources
Contact Our Tampa Immigration Law Firm for Guidance
Your future in the United States is too important to leave to chance. At Ragheb Law PLLC, we are here to provide the dedicated legal support you need. Attorney Caroline Ragheb brings not only a deep understanding of immigration law but also the personal perspective of someone who has been through the process. We are committed to giving your case the individual care it deserves.
If you have questions about applying for Temporary Protected Status, contact us today at (813) 938-0209 or through our online form to discuss your situation.