On August 18, 2023, in consideration of Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia, the Biden administration extended Temporary Protection Status (TPS) for Ukrainian migrants. The U.S. designated Ukraine for TPS status in 2022. With this extension, the U.S. may admit or provide status to 166,700 eligible applicants.
With this extension, the 26,000 Ukrainians already in the country under TPS may continue their enrollment until April 2025. The extension also moves the cut-off from April 11, 2022, to August 2023, to accommodate recent arrivals.
Temporary Protected Status Program
The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program is administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Eligible migrants who cannot return safely to their home countries can live and work legally in the U.S. for a specified period.
Circumstances that may warrant TPS designation include:
- Civil war and other ongoing armed conflicts
- Environmental disasters
- Epidemics
- Other extraordinary conditions
Ukrainians and others with Temporary Protected Status may be eligible to apply for permanent residency (for example, based on a petition from a family member), and may ultimately be able to become citizens.
Speak To a California Immigration Lawyer Today
This announcement will be life-changing for thousands of Ukrainians seeking refuge in the United States. While the Temporary Protected Status program only provides temporary relief, TPS migrants can adjust status to permanent resident if otherwise eligible. An immigration lawyer can represent you in obtaining and maintaining TPS (Form I-821) and advise you on all of your immigration options.
Reeves Immigration Law Group has over four decades of experience guiding migrants and their families through temporary and permanent immigration pathways. Our team of California immigration lawyers extends a personalized and dedicated approach to each individual case, taking the time to fully understand our clients’ needs.
Fill out our contact form today to speak with a TPS attorney to see if these protections apply to you.
