Temporary Protective Status

Am I Eligible for TPS?

TPS is only available to citizens of designated countries. The rules of eligibility differ from country to country. Most frequently we work with TPS beneficiaries from El Salvador and Honduras, so we’ll focus here on the rules that apply to them.

TPS for El Salvadorans

To qualify for TPS, El Salvadorans must have been physically present in the United States since March 9, 2001.  Because the arrival cut-off date was so long ago, most El Salvadorans who already qualify for TPS have applied and re-registered several times.

El Salvadorans with TPS need to know that the date of termination for TPS is September 9, 2019.  As of now, El Salvadorans are expected to leave the United States before this date.

Also, the deadline for re-registration for TPS benefits was on March 19, 2018.  This deadline has passed. If you missed the deadline, it is possible to apply for late re-registration.  To re-register after the deadline, you must demonstrate good cause for the late-filing. We strongly recommend that you consult with an immigration attorney before pursuing late re-registration.  A failure to re-register will result in a permanent lapse of your TPS status.

TPS for Hondurans

To qualify for TPS, Hondurans must have been physically present in the US prior to January 5, 1999.

The Trump Administration has not made a decision yet of whether to end permanently TPS protection for Hondurans.  TPS for Hondurans is set to expire on July 5, 2018. The Trump Administration is required to make a decision on whether to extend, terminate, or redesignate TPS for Honduras by May 4, 2018.

In the meantime, it’s important for Hondurans to re-register for TPS benefits.  The deadline for re-registration has already passed. However, it is possible to apply for late re-registration if you missed the deadline.  Contact our law firm to discuss the possibility of late re-registration.