Temporary Protected Status Lawyer Columbus Ohio
TPS provides temporary protection from removal and work authorization for nationals of countries designated by the Department of Homeland Security. Latif Law represents TPS applicants in Columbus and Central Ohio in initial registration and re-registration.
What Is Temporary Protected Status?
Temporary Protected Status is a country-specific immigration benefit Congress authorized to protect nationals of countries facing armed conflict, environmental disaster, epidemic, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions that prevent safe return. The Secretary of Homeland Security may designate, extend, or terminate a country's TPS. Beneficiaries receive protection from removal, and most receive employment authorization, for the period of the designation.
TPS is independent of asylum. A person may hold TPS while pursuing asylum, a family-based petition, or another form of relief.
Important: TPS designations and registration windows change frequently. Always confirm the current list of designated countries and current filing windows at uscis.gov/tps before filing.
Eligibility at a Glance
National of a Designated Country
You must be a national of a TPS-designated country (or, if stateless, last habitually resided in such a country).
Continuous Physical Presence
You must have been continuously physically present in the U.S. since the date specified in your country's designation, with limited brief, casual, and innocent departures permitted.
Continuous Residence
You must have continuously resided in the U.S. since the residence date specified in your country's designation.
Timely Filing
You must register during the initial registration window or re-register during each re-registration period the Secretary establishes.
No Disqualifying Bars
Certain criminal convictions, security concerns, and persecution-of-others bars disqualify applicants. Counsel should review history before filing.
Work Authorization
Most TPS applicants file Form I-765 with the I-821 to request an Employment Authorization Document.
Initial Registration vs. Re-Registration
Initial Registration
First-time TPS application during your country's initial registration window. Requires complete proof of nationality, identity, continuous presence, and continuous residence.
Re-Registration
For existing TPS holders to maintain status during each re-registration window the Secretary announces. Missing a re-registration deadline can result in loss of TPS unless you can show good cause for late filing.
Evidence Commonly Required
Frequently Asked Questions
Does TPS lead to a green card?
Not by itself. TPS is temporary protection. To pursue lawful permanent residence, you typically need a separate basis — a family or employment petition, asylum, or another path. An attorney can review whether multiple options apply.
Can I travel outside the U.S. on TPS?
Travel is possible only with prior advance permission, generally through an authorized travel document. Departing without authorization can break continuous physical presence and end your TPS. Always confirm current rules before any international travel.
What if I missed a re-registration deadline?
USCIS may accept a late re-registration if you show good cause for the delay and re-register as soon as the cause is resolved. Don't assume the deadline is fatal — get advice quickly.
Can my children get TPS through me?
TPS is individually held. Each family member must independently meet eligibility, including the country of nationality and the residence and presence dates. Some children may not qualify even if a parent does.
Will TPS affect a future asylum or other immigration case?
TPS itself is generally compatible with other applications. Some interactions — such as effects on accruing unlawful presence or continuous residence — depend on individual facts. An attorney should review your full immigration history before relying on TPS as a long-term plan.
Serving Columbus and Central Ohio
TPS representation throughout the greater Columbus metro area:
Related Humanitarian Topics
Asylum
A separate humanitarian path that may be available to TPS holders.
Work Permit (EAD)
Form I-765 work authorization is typically filed with the TPS application.
U-Visa
Protection for victims of qualifying crimes who cooperate with law enforcement.
VAWA Self-Petition
Independent immigration relief for abused spouses, children, and parents.
Marriage Green Card
For TPS holders married to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
U.S. Citizenship
Long-term planning beyond temporary protection.
Speak With a TPS Lawyer in Columbus Ohio
TPS deadlines and country designations change. Get current advice before relying on it.