TPS (Temporary Protected Status)
📊 Explore TPS data →Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a humanitarian immigration program that allows nationals of designated countries to live and work in the United States when conditions in their home country make safe return impossible or unreasonable. The Secretary of Homeland Security can designate a country for TPS based on three conditions: ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions.
TPS was created by the Immigration Act of 1990 and has been used to protect nationals of numerous countries over the decades. As of 2025, TPS-designated countries include El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela, Yemen, and several others. The number of TPS holders is estimated at over 800,000.
To qualify for TPS, individuals must have been continuously physically present in the U.S. since a specified date, meet filing deadlines, and have no disqualifying criminal history. TPS must be redesignated or extended periodically by the Secretary of Homeland Security — designations are not permanent and can be terminated if the Secretary determines that conditions in the home country have improved sufficiently.
TPS provides two main benefits: protection from removal (deportation) and eligibility for Employment Authorization Documents (work permits). TPS holders can also obtain travel authorization to leave and re-enter the U.S. However, TPS does not independently lead to a green card or citizenship — it is temporary by design.
The temporary nature of TPS has become one of its most controversial aspects. Many TPS holders have lived in the U.S. for 20+ years under successive redesignations, building families, businesses, and deep community roots. Their status remains precarious, subject to political decisions about whether to extend or terminate their designations. Advocates have pushed for legislation granting TPS holders a path to permanent residence, arguing that "temporary" has become permanent in practice.
Related Terms
Parole
Temporary permission to enter or remain in the U.S. granted on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. Parole does not constitute formal "admission" and can be revoked.
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
A policy allowing certain individuals who came to the U.S. as children to receive renewable two-year work permits and protection from deportation. Does not provide a path to citizenship or permanent resident status.
Removal Proceedings
The formal process in immigration court where a judge determines whether a foreign national should be ordered removed (deported) from the United States or allowed to remain under some form of relief.
LPR (Lawful Permanent Resident)
A foreign national authorized to live and work permanently in the United States, commonly known as a "green card holder." LPRs can be placed in removal proceedings if they commit certain crimes or fraud.