Immigration Law Update
Temporary Protected Status for Nationals of Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone who are Residing in the United States
Due to the outbreak of Ebola virus disease in West Africa, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson has announced his decision to designate Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. As a result, eligible nationals of Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone who are currently residing in the United States may apply for TPS with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The Federal Register notices provide details and procedures for applying for TPS and are available at www.uscis.gov/tps.
The TPS designations for the three countries are effective Nov.
21, 2014 and will be in effect for 18 months. The designations mean that
eligible nationals of Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone (and people
without nationality who last habitually resided in one of those three
countries) will not be removed from the United States and are authorized
to work and obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The
180-day TPS registration period begins Nov. 21, 2014 and runs through
May 20, 2015.
To be eligible for TPS, applicants must demonstrate that they
satisfy all eligibility criteria, including that they have been
“continuously residing” in the United States since Nov. 20, 2014 and
“continuously physically present in” the United States since Nov. 21,
2014. Applicants also undergo thorough security checks. Individuals with
certain criminal records or who pose a threat to national security are
not eligible for TPS. The eligibility requirements are fully described
in the Federal Register notices and on the TPS Web page
at www.uscis.gov/tps
If you or someone you know might qualify for this
new relief, please contact immigration attorney Amanda J. Bahena to
discuss this new program. The registration period ends May 20, 2015, and
failure to act by that time may eliminate potential relief.