Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a program that allows people from certain countries experiencing humanitarian crises to live and work temporarily in the United States. Countries that have received TPS include Syria, Venezuela, Ukraine, Haiti, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Myanmar, South Sudan, Somalia, and others affected by war, natural disasters, or epidemic diseases.
What is Temporary Protected Status
Temporary Protected Status is a United States immigration program created by Congress in 1990. It provides a safe place for people whose home countries are experiencing serious problems like ongoing wars, natural disasters such as earthquakes or floods, or dangerous disease outbreaks. People granted TPS are allowed to stay in the U.S. legally, work, and get certain government documents like driver's licenses. However, TPS is not permanent citizenship and does not lead automatically to a green card or permanent residency.
How TPS Works
The Secretary of Homeland Security decides which countries qualify for TPS by looking at conditions in those countries. Once a country is designated for TPS, people from that country who are already in the United States can apply for protection. TPS status typically lasts 6 to 18 months, but the Secretary can extend it if dangerous conditions continue. People with TPS must follow all U.S. laws and can be removed from the country if they commit serious crimes.
Countries That Have Received TPS
Over 30 countries have received TPS designation since the program began. Some of the countries currently designated include Syria (due to civil war), Venezuela (due to humanitarian crisis), Ukraine (due to Russian invasion), Haiti (due to gang violence and natural disasters), El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua (due to gang and political violence), Myanmar (due to military coup), South Sudan (due to civil war), Somalia (due to ongoing conflict), Sudan (due to armed conflict), and Yemen (due to civil war). TPS designations can be added or ended based on changing conditions.
Requirements and Eligibility
To qualify for TPS, a person must be a national of a designated country, be physically present in the United States on or after the country's TPS designation date, and not have certain criminal convictions or security problems. Applicants must pay a filing fee and go through a background check and fingerprinting process. Being in the U.S. illegally before applying does not automatically disqualify someone, but other factors are considered during the application process.
Rights and Restrictions
TPS holders can work legally in the United States, obtain Social Security numbers, and apply for state driver's licenses. They can travel outside the U.S. with permission but must follow specific rules. However, TPS does not provide a path to citizenship or permanent residency. When TPS ends, people generally must leave the country unless they qualify for other immigration protection. TPS holders can also be denied renewal if they travel to their home country or commit crimes. 
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