Temporary Protected Status Issues

Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, was established by Congress through the Immigration Act of 1990. TPS is intended to protect foreign nationals in the U.S. from being returned to their home country if it became unsafe during the time they were in the U.S. and would put them at risk of violence, disease, or death. Under the law, the Secretary of Homeland Security may designate a foreign country for TPS in three scenarios:

• Ongoing armed conflict (such as a civil war)
• An environmental disaster (such as an earthquake or hurricane), or an epidemic; or
• Other extraordinary and temporary conditions that prevent nationals from the country from safely returning home.

Some TPS holders came to the United States when they were young and have lived here for many years. They are homeowners, have families, and contribute to the American economy. If the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) lets TPS expire for these countries, many people may be separated from their families and forced to return to dangerous circumstances in countries they hardly know. 

Articles:

• Read this overview of Temporary Protected Status to understand the background and purpose of TPS.

• Get updates on TPS and which countries have TPS extensions from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

• People with TPS contribute to the United States in many ways. This Statistical and Demographic Profile of US Temporary Protected Status populations from El Salvador, Honduras, and Haiti shows that this population is hardworking and has strong ties to the United States.

• Those with TPS are important members of U.S. communities. Read about their contributions and why TPS should be continued in this article titled: TPS Holders Are Integral Members of the U.S. Economy and Society.

Video:

• Watch one family’s story about what the end of TPS would mean for them. 

Take Action:

• Ask your representatives to support a solution for those with TPS as well as DACA recipients.