Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a renewable temporary humanitarian relief program that provides protection from deportation and work authorization to people living in the United States. TPS is the way many people live with dignity, allowing people from a designated country to live in the United States because conditions in their country make a safe return impossible. The conditions that allow a country to qualify for TPS are: ongoing armed conflict; natural disaster or epidemic; other extraordinary and temporary conditions.

TPS was established in 1990 by the U.S. Congress. TPS is a temporary immigration status and does not provide a path to citizenship.

Initial Designation vs. Extension vs. Redesignation

Initial Designation: The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may designate a country for TPS for 18 months based on country conditions. This is called initial designation.

Extension: The Secretary may extend a TPS designation beyond the expiration date of the initial designation and may extend the registration period of an initial designation. The extension may be for an additional period of 6, 12 or 18 months.

Redesignation: The Secretary may redesignate a country for TPS if he finds that country conditions still qualify the country designated for TPS. The redesignation advances the date of presence and continuous residence to extend the eligibility of individuals to apply.

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