Tampa Temporary Protected Status Attorney

Under INA §244, the Attorney General may establish temporary programs to protected citizens of certain countries. The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program is one of these programs. The AG in consultation with government agents may establish such programs for one of the following countries:

There is an ongoing civil strife in the country or a part of the county. INA §244(b)(1)(A);
There has been an earthquake, flood, drought, epidemic, or other natural disasters and the country could not absorb the return of its nationals under INA §244(b)(1)(B); or
There exist extraordinary and temporary conditions in the foreign state that prevent its nationals from returning unless the admission is contrary to national interests under INA §244(b)(1)(C).

A person who is granted TPS:

Is granted TPS for 6 to 18 months which can be extended
Shall not be deported during TPS period under INA §244(a)(1)(A). the Attorney General must inform the immigrant that TPS is available.
Shall be granted an employment authorization INA §§244(a)(1)(B) and (C)
Shall not be detained on the basis of her status under INA §244(d)4)
May travel abroad with permission under INA §244(f)(3), but must apply using for I-131 before traveling. If the person returns in a timely manner may no longer be subject to the 3/10 years bars. Matter of Arrabally & Yerrabelly, 25 I&N Dec. 771 (BIA 2012).
May apply for asylum because TPS was not meant to eviscerate asylum.
May apply for cancellation of removal once TPS expires but time spent may not count towards physical presence for LPR cancellation but may for non-LPR cancellation.

Eligibility for Temporary Protected Status

An applicant must establish the following to establish eligibility under INA §244(c):

Nationality of the protection country by passport, certificate of birth, or affidavit if other documents do not exist
Presence in the United States at the time of designation must also be shown. INA §244(c)(1)(A).
Must be otherwise admissible
Must not firmly resettled in a third country
Must not be ineligible because of a conviction for a felony or two misdemeanors
Must apply within the period of registration unless he was in other legal status after which he can apply within 60 days.

Spouses and children of TPS holders may register after the period of registration as long as the relationship existed at the time of designation. They must also be nationals of the country of designation and meet all other requirements. Matter of Echeverria, 25 I&N Dec. 512(BIA 2011). If TPS is denied for a ground of deportability a charging document shall be issued. 8 CFR§§ 244.3-4.

Termination of TPS

Temporary protected status may be withdrawn in the following circumstances under INA §244(c)(3):

The person was not eligible
The person fails to maintain physical presence under INA §244(c)(4)
The person fails to re-register §244(c)(3)(C)
The Attorney General terminates the program §244(c)(3)(B)

The Trump Administration has issued decisions to revoke the designation of several countries for TPS. Please call us to discuss your options.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can individuals with TPS from Tampa work legally in the United States?

Yes, individuals granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are eligible to receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which allows them to work legally in the United States. The EAD is typically issued for the same duration as the TPS designation and must be renewed alongside TPS re-registration during extension periods.

Is it possible for Tampa residents with TPS to travel outside the United States?

Residents of Tampa with TPS are allowed to travel abroad with prior permission, known as Advance Parole. They must apply for and receive a travel authorization document (Form I-131) before leaving the U.S. It's important to return within the specified timeframe to avoid affecting TPS status and to prevent triggering re-entry bars.

What happens if TPS is terminated for Tampa residents?

If TPS is terminated, Tampa residents who were beneficiaries of the program will revert to the same immigration status they held prior to TPS, unless that status has since expired or been terminated. If they have no other lawful status, they may become subject to removal (deportation). Individuals in this situation should consult with an immigration attorney to explore other potential avenues for lawful status.

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Immigration Law Only Ahmad doesn't split his practice between personal injury, real estate, and immigration. This is all he does — which means he stays current on policy changes, case law, and USCIS processing trends that affect your case.
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Ultimate Convenience Attorney Ahmad Yakzan is your reliable immigration attorney from St. Petersburg Tampa, Florida to Washington, D.C. We also have offices that are conveniently located to serve you in Clearwater, Dunedin, New Port Richey, Oldsmar, Land o’ Lakes, Plant City, Lakeland, and Zephyrhills.
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