Temporary Protected Status

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
returning would put them at risk of violence, disease, or death. Once granted TPS, an individual
also cannot be detained by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on the basis of his or her
immigration status in the United States.

The Secretary of Homeland Security may designate a foreign country for TPS due to
conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the country's nationals from returning safely,
or in certain circumstances, where the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals
adequately.  USCIS may grant TPS to eligible nationals of certain countries (or parts of
countries), who are already in the United States.  Eligible individuals without nationality who
last resided in the designated country may also be granted TPS.

The Secretary may designate a country for TPS due to the following temporary conditions in the country:

Once granted TPS, an individual also cannot be detained by DHS on the basis of his or
her immigration status in the United States. TPS is a temporary benefit that does not lead to
lawful permanent resident status or give any other immigration status. However, registration for
TPS does not prevent you from applying for nonimmigrant status or filing for adjustment of
status based on an immigrant petition