Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

Temporary Protected Status is a humanitarian program that allows nationals of designated countries to live and work in the U.S. during periods of unsafe conditions at home — such as armed conflict, natural disaster, or extraordinary crisis. TPS is granted in 6-to-18-month increments and can be extended or terminated by the Department of Homeland Security. TPS does not lead directly to a green card, but holders can apply for work authorization and, if they have a separate qualifying basis, pursue adjustment of status. Countries currently designated include (subject to change): El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Yemen.