August 18th TPS Registration Deadline for Three African Countries

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a reminder to nationals of Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone of the August 18, 2015 deadline for temporary protected status (TPS) registration. Eligible individuals must apply by the deadline in order to obtain the corresponding immigration benefits.

Eligibility Limited by Country and Timeframe

TPS provides temporary relief to individuals who are unable to return to their respective home countries due to situations such as natural disasters and civil unrest. Eligibility is based upon specific, blanket designations made by the U.S. government, rather than individual circumstances.

TPS for nationals of Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone (or people without nationality who last regularly resided in these designated countries) requires proof that the applicant has been continuously residing in the United States since November 20, 2014. Applicants must also establish that they have been continuously physically present in the U.S. since November 21, 2014. In addition, there are mandatory security background checks, and those with certain criminal histories or who pose a security threat are not eligible for TPS.

Registration Process

Details regarding the TPS registration process for nationals of the three countries and the required forms are available on the USCIS WebSite. The forms include both the application for temporary protected status (I-821 form), and the application for employment authorization (I-765). The same process is required for other TPS applicants, but the deadlines differ.

Conclusion

TPS is a significant benefit that is often desperately needed by eligible individuals. Failure to apply within the prescribed deadlines typically means disqualification from this valuable protection.

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