Providing Legal Assistance to Communities Throughout Hillsborough County

When seeking legal assistance for a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) case, it is crucial to have a seasoned lawyer who can provide customized solutions and compassionate representation. At K. Dean Kantaras, P.A., clients can expect just that. Our law firm is committed to helping vulnerable clients seeking legal protection fight to protect their immigration status.

Led by Attorney Kantaras, our legal team has experience handling TPS cases, and clients can rest assured that their case is in the hands of a committed and compassionate legal professional. In addition to our legal experience, we also provide clients with open, honest, and straightforward legal guidance. We listen to each client’s wishes while providing informed legal advice and keeping them informed. 

If you’re worried about your immigration status, our Tampa Bay temporary protected status immigration attorney will handle your case with the care and dedication you deserve. 

Contact the Tampa Bay Immigration Attorney at K. Dean Kantaras, P.A. by calling (727) 939-6113 or using our online contact form.

What is Temporary Protected Status?

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a temporary benefit granted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to eligible nationals of designated countries who are already in the United States. The Secretary of Homeland Security may designate a foreign country for TPS due to temporary conditions that prevent the country's nationals from returning safely or where the country cannot handle the return of its nationals adequately. 

Extenuating conditions include but aren’t limited to, ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, and epidemics. USCIS issues guidance regarding other extraordinary and temporary conditions. TPS beneficiaries are not removable from the United States, can obtain an employment authorization document, and may be granted travel authorization. However, TPS does not lead to lawful permanent resident status or provide any other immigration status.

How to Qualify for Temporary Protected Status

TPS is granted to individuals who cannot safely return home due to environmental disasters, civil strife, or other severe conditions. Citizens of Haiti currently have Temporary Protected Status (TPS), along with citizens of El Salvador, Nicaragua, Sudan, Honduras, and Nepal. Despite fears that the program would be terminated, the government announced an extension of TPS until June 30, 2024. Citizens from the six countries mentioned above will continue to be candidates for relief under the TPS program. Currently, there are 16 countries under the TPS umbrella, making it the largest collection of countries to receive TPS protections at one time.

Re-designation and ICE Check-ins

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is only granted for a limited time, and while it may be extended or re-designated if certain conditions continue to exist in the designated country, it does not lead to naturalization or permanent citizenship status. 

Re-designation means that individuals already granted TPS must reapply to maintain their status. It is important to note that re-designation does not automatically grant TPS to new applicants; they must still meet all eligibility requirements. 

Relevant documentation for re-designation and ICE check-ins can be found on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website, including information on eligibility requirements, application procedures, and deadlines. The USCIS website also provides resources for individuals with TPS, including information on work authorization, travel documents, and other benefits.

It is important for individuals with TPS to stay informed about changes in the program and to comply with all requirements to maintain their status. Failure to comply with TPS requirements may result in the loss of status and deportation.

Call (727) 939-6113 or reach out online now to schedule a consultation.