The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the designation of Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months

Schedule Your Free Consultation!

As of late February and early March of 2022, Russia has invaded Ukraine, attacking their citizens, capturing large amounts of territory, and forcing individuals and families to flee the country. With the destruction and humanitarian crisis entering its second week to date, our Zohar Law PLLC full-service immigration law firm is sharing critical safety information for citizens around the world. In an effort to enforce Ukraine immigrant protection, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, the United States Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, has granted Ukraine Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months.

kiev.png

How & Why DHS Grants TPS Status

This designation from the United States is all in an effort to promote the importance of Ukraine immigrant protection and to respond to the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia. A country is eligible for TPS status when the conditions in said country fall into one of three categories:

  • Ongoing armed conflict

  • Extraordinary and temporary conditions

  • Environmental disasters

After the recent “premeditated and unprovoked attack on Ukraine” as described by Mayorkas, the Department of Homeland Security has made this designation decision based on these first two categories. The ongoing warfare — the largest conventional military action in Europe since WWII — prevents Ukrainian nationals and frequent residents from returning to the country safely; these current events have also forced millions of people to be without basic necessities such as food, water, shelter, and medical services. From here, more can be done regarding Ukraine immigrant protection.

What TPS Status Means

When TPS status is granted by the Department of Homeland Security, it provides several important benefits for individuals who are nationals or residents of a certain country. In this emergency effort to address Ukraine immigrant protection, the country’s TPS status means individual beneficiaries who are able to take advantage of this designation:

  • Cannot be removed from the United States

  • Cannot be detained by DHS on the basis of United States immigration status

  • Can obtain employment authorization

  • May be given travel authorization

What This Means For Ukraine Immigrant Protection & Individuals

The United States government is helping the Ukraine immigrant protection effort by allowing eligible individuals to take advantage of the recently designated TPS status. In order to be eligible for TPS stratus protection application, individuals must have continuously resided in the United States since March 1, 2022. However, individuals who attempt to travel to the United States after March 1, 2022 are not eligible. Under these circumstances if you are able to take advantage of TPS status, you can file your own petition with the help of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. All applicants must meet all eligibility requirements and undergo security and background checks.

How Citizens Can Get More Information

More information on the Department of Homeland Security’s response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict can be found on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website. The country’s official TPS status will go into effect once The Federal Register publishes official instructions for application.

For the latest updates, Zohar Law PLLC recommends keeping up with USCIS and its programs at uscis.gov or on their social media accounts. If you have any immigration alw questions or concerns, get in touch with Zohar Law PLLC now!