Are You from Liberia, Guinea or Sierra Leone?
Sondra Furcajg discusses Temporary Protected Status for Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone
TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS (TPS): LIBERIA, GUINEA, SIERRA LEONE
WHAT IS TPS?
- On November 20 2014, USCIS designated Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) due to Ebola, which is making it unsafe for citizens of those countries to return.
- TPS designation is effective November 21, 2014 and remains in effect for 18 months. You can register for TPS between November 21, 2014 and May 20, 2015.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR TPS?
- To be eligible for TPS, applicants must show that they have been “continuously residing” in the U.S since November 20, 2014 and “continuously physically present” in the U.S. since November 21, 2014.
- Applicants also undergo thorough background checks and those with certain criminal records or who pose a threat to national security are not eligible for TPS.
WHAT PROTECTION DOES TPS PROVIDE?
- Protection from Deportation
- Eligibility to receive a work permit
- May be granted travel authorization
WHAT FORMS DO I NEED TO FILE
- Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE NEEDED?
- Identity and Nationality Evidence: passport, birth certificate, national identity document.
- Date of Entry Evidence: passport or I-94.
- Continuously Residing in the U.S. since November 20, 2014 Evidence: employment records, rent receipts, utility bills, receipts or letters from companies, school records from the schools that you or your children have attended in the U.S., hospital or medical records concerning treatment or hospitalization of you or your children.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
- There is a filing fee of $ 515, but there is a fee waiver available if you demonstrate your inability to pay the fee. The Form for the fee waiver is Form I-912
WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE NEEDED FOR FEE WAIVER?
- Most recent tax return
- Evidence of financial hardship
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER GETTING TPS?
- Once granted TPS, an individual cannot be detained by DHS or deported on the basis of his or her immigration status in the United States.
- TPS is a temporary benefit that is not and does lead to lawful permanent resident status or give any other immigration status. However, registration for TPS does not prevent you from:
- Applying for nonimmigrant status
- Filing for adjustment of status based on an immigrant petition
- Applying for any other immigration benefit or protection for which you may be eligible
Contact UAO at 312-949-9980 for more information and/or to apply.
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