– There has been an earthquake, flood, drought, epidemic or other environmental disaster that temporary prevent the foreign country to handle the return of its nationals

              – There exist extraordinary and temporary conditions in the foreign country preventing its nationals from returning safely.

The Secretary of Homeland Security then designates such countries for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Eligible nationals of these countries, who are already in the United States, may be granted TPS. A person granted TPS is granted this status for 6 to 18 months, which can be extended.

TPS status allows persons to live and work in the United States for limited times. Such persons can apply for asylum. May apply for cancellation of removal once TPS expires. They may not be granted Social Security benefits because they are only temporary residing in the US. Such individuals cannot be detained for violating the US immigration law.

An applicant for TPS must meet all the eligibility requirements. Once granted TPS the individual can continue to maintain his immigration status. However, if he applies for employment authorization document and decides to work but this violates the requirements of his immigration status, he might lose his immigration status. Denial of other immigration benefit does not affect the individual’s ability to register for TPS.