Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a Green Card
What do call the status of foreigners allowed to stay and work legally in the U.S., and travel internationally? Temporary Protected Status, TPS. You know what it was called when my parents came to this country in the 1960s? The Cuban Adjustment Act. Because TPS offers the same benefits as legal permanent residency (green card), Blandon Law strongly advises all foreigners to apply for Temporary Protected Status if they are eligible, even if other “papers” are in process.
TPS Work Permit Benefits Same as Residency
Foreigners can get a green card after marrying a US citizen. The first green card, known as Conditional Permanent Residency, is valid for two years if the couple was married less than 24 months on the date of the immigration interview. The non-citizen has to apply to remove the conditions 18 months later. This is the same process as TPS: applying for status 18 months after first getting it. The only difference between TPS and a green card is that for TPS there are separate forms to fill out for each benefit (TPS status, work permit, and travel benefit) and the applications must be filed every 18 months. Basically, with TPS the government gets more money for giving non-citizens the same reward.
TPS Travel Benefits Same as Residency
My parents never touched the sugar fine beaches of Cuba after leaving in July 1967. Leaving a homeland forever is a price few are willing to pay. Fortunately, those with Temporary Protected Status can leave the United States and return with parole. Meaning a TPS holder can travel to their homeland and return to the U.S. even if an Immigration Judge gave the non-citizen a deportation order.
TPS appears deceivingly simple like riding a burro down the Grand Canyon. A person just sits there. Unless they have an inexperienced burro guide, in which case the tourist can fall off and die.
Disclaimer – These entries are based on real life events. Family member names, when used, are real. Client names are changed for privacy.
