Three Things to Know About Temporary Protected Status in the U.S.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in the United States offers foreign individuals in the country the opportunity to work while also being protected from deportation. TPS is an important program that provides thousands of immigrants with the opportunity to stay in the country and earn a living as long as returning to their home country is unsafe. TPS also has many benefits for the U.S., as it drives critical contributions to the U.S. workforce and economy.
Under the current administration, TPS designations are under immense scrutiny. Below, our Atlanta Temporary Protected Status lawyer explains three important things to know about the program in 2026.
The Majority of TPS Holders are Already Working and Living in the U.S.
The majority of TPS holders in the country have already been in the United States for a long time. They have settled into communities, built families, and pursued careers. According to the America’s Voice Education Fund, TPS holders fill over 570,000 jobs in the country’s workforce and they contribute approximately $21 billion to the GDP in wages.
There is no denying the fact that TPS holders have very deep roots in their employment, families, and communities. Suddenly forcing them out of the workforce and ultimately, the country is not only harmful for them, but could result in harsh economic consequences throughout the United States, as well.
The Program is Meant to Protect Immigrants as Their Home Countries Face Devastation
The TPS program was established by Congress as part of the Immigration Act of 1990. Its initial purpose was to provide temporary relief from deportation for immigrants and allow them to work while they remain in the country. Only immigrants who cannot return to their home country due to hunger, war, a natural disaster, or other devastation are eligible.
Today, there are over one million TPS holders in the United States, and they come from 16 different countries, according to the Department of Homeland Security. However, the number of individuals who qualify for TPS but who have not yet been approved or formally applied is much higher.
The Eligibility Requirements for TPS are Strict
TPS does not provide broad amnesty but instead, offers a few temporary protections that are only available to certain immigrants who qualify. To qualify, an immigrant must have been continuously in the U.S. since the date of designation and they must register with the government in a timely manner. Individuals who arrive in the country after the date of designation are barred from enrolling and the status cannot be conferred to family members abroad.
Our Temporary Protected Status Lawyer in Atlanta Can Help with Your Case
TPS is not a path to other immigration options but it can provide great relief to people who need it the most. For a consultation with our experienced attorney to discuss your case and needs, please call Shirazi Law, today at 404-523-3611. Our Atlanta Temporary Protected Status lawyer serves clients in Atlanta, Moultrie, and Dalton, GA and Chattanooga, TN.
Sources:
americasvoiceeducationfund.org/news/tps-holders-contribute-billions-to-our-economy-help-fill-critical-labor-shortages-and-are-deeply-embedded-members-of-our-communities/
congress.gov/crs-product/RS20844
