Temporary Protected Status (TPS): How Congruence Law, P.C. Assists Nationals of Designated Countries Seeking Humanitarian Relief

When war, natural disaster, or political upheaval make it unsafe for foreign nationals to return to their home country, the United States may offer a form of humanitarian relief known as Temporary Protected Status (TPS). At Congruence Law, P.C., we help individuals from TPS-designated countries apply for, extend, and maintain this critical legal protection—ensuring safety and stability while they remain in the United States.

TPS is a statutory program administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) under the Immigration and Nationality Act. It allows eligible nationals of specific countries—or individuals without nationality who last resided in those countries—to temporarily live and work in the United States without fear of deportation, due to conditions in their home country that prevent safe return. TPS does not lead directly to permanent residence, but it provides legal status, work authorization, and protection from removal while the designation remains in effect.

Countries are designated for TPS by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) based on conditions such as:

• Ongoing armed conflict (e.g., civil war);

• Environmental disasters (e.g., hurricanes, earthquakes, epidemics);

• Other extraordinary and temporary conditions.

Designations may be extended or terminated depending on country conditions, and each country’s status is reviewed periodically. As of [current year], countries designated for TPS include (but are not limited to) Venezuela, Haiti, El Salvador, Honduras, Ukraine, Sudan, and Afghanistan.

To qualify for TPS, applicants must:

• Be a national of a designated country (or a stateless person who last resided there);

• Have been continuously physically present in the U.S. since the effective date of the TPS designation;

• Meet initial registration or re-registration deadlines;

• Have no serious criminal convictions or disqualifying immigration violations.

At Congruence Law, P.C., we assist clients with initial TPS filings (Form I-821), work authorization applications (Form I-765), and TPS re-registration during designated periods. We ensure timely and accurate submissions, supported by evidence of nationality, continuous physical presence, and eligibility under the current designation. We also provide individualized guidance for clients facing complex issues such as expired visas, past removal orders, or minor criminal histories.

Common challenges in TPS applications include failing to file during designated registration or re-registration windows, incomplete or inconsistent evidence of physical presence, or criminal issues that may trigger inadmissibility. Many applicants are also confused about the difference between TPS and asylum, DACA, or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED)—each of which operates under different eligibility and legal rules.

We help clients avoid these complications through careful intake review, documentation support, and legal strategy. We also advise TPS holders on options to adjust status through other pathways—such as family-based petitions, humanitarian parole, or special adjustment legislation—when available.

For those already granted TPS, we provide ongoing support with renewals, travel authorization (Form I-131), and transition strategies in the event a country’s designation is terminated. Where necessary, we help clients explore potential defenses against removal or file for other forms of humanitarian protection.

TPS offers more than temporary relief—it offers protection, security, and the ability to rebuild. At Congruence Law, P.C., we are committed to helping individuals from TPS-designated countries maintain their legal status, protect their families, and plan for the future with informed legal support.

If you or a loved one may qualify for TPS or need help renewing your status, contact us at immigration@congruence.com to schedule a consultation. We are here to help you stay safe, stay authorized, and stay informed.