Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a humanitarian protection for individuals whose home countries have been deemed unsafe. You or a loved one may have been granted TPS, but that might not be the end of your story. In fact, a Phoenix Temporary Protected Status lawyer can help you apply for or renew your status. Legal help is available to help you navigate immigration procedures and avoid a lapse in status.
According to 8 U.S.C. § 1254a, TPS may be granted for individuals who come from countries currently experiencing armed conflicts, natural disasters, epidemics, and other extraordinary conditions. Specific countries receive TPS designation, and this list of countries can change regularly. While TPS is not a path to permanent residency, it does allow the individual to be in the United States with protection from removal. These individuals are also granted work authorization.
Under federal law, people eligible for TPS include those from specific countries who have maintained a continuous physical presence in the United States. These individuals must not have been deemed inadmissible under certain criminal or security grounds. The Department of Homeland Security publishes country-specific dates and conditions.
The application process for receiving temporary protected status in Phoenix involves several steps, including filling out the Application for TPS and Application for Employment Authorization. Applicants must attend a biometrics appointment to attain fingerprints, and during this stage, filing deadlines are crucial. A USCIS field office in Phoenix is typically the base for these meetings.
Once TPS is granted, applicants will be notified of the duration of their protection and the point at which they will be required to register again. They may be granted work permit renewals and travel documentation that allows for additional rights and responsibilities while living in the United States. Applicants should keep in mind that TPS is not a direct pathway to a green card, but it may be a factor in adjustment of status, as well as family or employment petitions.
Legal representation in immigration cases often includes an evaluation of eligibility, ensuring the timely filing of documents, and navigating overlapping immigration issues. Local attorneys work with applicants and understand local USCIS processes, which can provide some protections from misinformation and fraud.
Temporary protected status applicants in Phoenix face several types of challenges, including missed deadlines and incomplete evidence. Criminal records can also complicate admissibility into an immigration program. An attorney can step in to prevent these challenges from impacting a TPS application, and their legal support helps resolve complications and preserve lawful status efficiently.
New Frontier Immigration has experience dealing with the USCIS Phoenix Field Office and immigration court. We offer up-to-date knowledge of changing designations and policies by the Department of Homeland Security and personalized support for long-term immigration planning.
Are you unsure what to do next regarding your immigration status? A Phoenix temporary protected status lawyer knows how to help. Make sure to apply or renew your TPS before the deadlines, and ensure that you speak with an attorney right away to avoid delays, denials, or lapses in status. Call for a consultation today.
