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Landover Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Attorney

At Zenith Law Firm LLC, we know how challenging it can be to face uncertainty about your immigration status during times of crisis. As trusted immigration attorneys serving Maryland and the greater DMV area, we are dedicated to helping individuals and families understand Temporary Protected Status (TPS), guiding you through every step of the application and renewal process with compassionate care. When you work with us, you gain a partner who is determined to fight to protect your rights and future in the United States.

What Is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a humanitarian program created to protect individuals from countries affected by ongoing conflict, natural disasters, or extraordinary conditions that make returning home unsafe or unfeasible. The Secretary of Homeland Security designates eligible countries, allowing qualified nationals and certain stateless persons residing in the U.S. to receive TPS protections.

If you are granted TPS, you are shielded from deportation, eligible for an employment authorization document (EAD), and may be allowed to travel with advance permission. While TPS is a temporary status and does not automatically lead to permanent residency, it does not prevent you from pursuing other immigration benefits if you qualify.

Why TPS Was Created

TPS was established to provide relief and safety to individuals from countries undergoing serious crises such as civil wars, natural disasters, or other extraordinary circumstances that disrupt normal return.

Countries Currently Designated for TPS

Zenith Law Firm LLC assists clients from TPS-designated countries including:

Who Qualifies for TPS?

TPS is designed to provide temporary safety and work authorization. While it does not lead directly to permanent residency, many TPS holders can pursue other immigration options with the right legal support.

To qualify for TPS, you must:

  • Be a national of a designated TPS country or a person without nationality who last lived there.
  • Register within the designated registration or re-registration period, or meet late-filing provisions.
  • Have been continuously physically present in the U.S. since your country’s most recent TPS designation.
  • Have continuously resided in the U.S. since the date specified for your TPS country.

Deadlines and Registration Windows

Each TPS designation comes with specific registration periods. Our team helps clients track important dates and ensure timely filings to protect their status. It’s important to remember: 

  • Each country designated for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) has specific initial registration and re-registration periods announced by USCIS.
  • These registration windows are strict deadlines by which eligible individuals must file or re-file their TPS applications to maintain their status.
  • Missing a registration period could result in loss of TPS benefits unless late filing with good cause is accepted.

Zenith Law Firm LLC can assist clients in monitoring these critical deadlines to ensure applications are submitted on time. Staying informed about the dates relevant to your country’s TPS designation is essential to protect your temporary status and work authorization.

Applying for Temporary Protected Status

Our firm guides you through every step of the TPS application process:

  1. Filing Your Application: We assist in preparing your forms, verifying your evidence, and submitting fees or fee waiver requests to avoid common errors.
  2. USCIS Review: We monitor your case after submission, helping you understand receipt notices and case status updates.
  3. Biometrics Appointments: We explain biometric requirements and help you prepare for your Application Support Center visits.
  4. Work Authorization: If eligible, we support your pursuit of an employment authorization document.
  5. Responding to Requests and Final Decisions: Our attorneys ensure timely, thorough responses to USCIS requests and guide you through approvals or denials with clear next steps.

TPS Application Forms & Fees

  • Form I-821: Application for TPS (can be filed online for most countries)
  • Form I-765: Request for Employment Authorization (optional but recommended)
  • Form I-601: Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility (if required)

Fee waivers may be available for eligible applicants, and we can assist with waiver requests to reduce financial barriers.

Supporting Documentation Checklist

There is a supporting documentation checklist for TPS applications that is important to follow closely. Accurate and complete evidence helps avoid delays or denials. Key documents include:

  • Proof of your identity and nationality, such as a valid passport, birth certificate with photo ID, or national identity documents issued by your country’s embassy or consulate.
  • Evidence of your date of entry into the United States, like a passport stamp or I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
  • Proof of continuous residence, such as employment records, rent receipts, utility bills, school or medical records, and affidavits from community or religious leaders.
  • Documentation showing continuous physical presence in the U.S. since the TPS designation date.
  • Certified translations for any documents not in English, with a statement from the translator certifying accuracy.

Zenith Law Firm LLC can assist you in gathering, organizing, and preparing these documents correctly to strengthen your TPS application or renewal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Our team helps you avoid pitfalls like:

  • Missing or unsigned forms
  • Incorrect fees or incomplete fee waivers
  • Insufficient supporting evidence
  • Delayed responses to USCIS inquiries

TPS Renewals and Re-Registration

Maintaining your TPS requires timely re-registration during each specific open registration window announced by USCIS. TPS designations are typically extended by the Secretary of Homeland Security in increments of 6, 12, or 18 months depending on conditions in the designated country. 

These extensions allow qualified individuals to continue living and working legally in the U.S. without interruption. At Zenith Law Firm LLC, we monitor extension announcements closely and guide you through every step of the re-registration process. Our goal is to help you avoid lapses that could jeopardize your TPS protections.

Late Filing with Good Cause

In some cases, USCIS may accept late initial or re-registration filings if you can demonstrate good cause for the delay. Common reasons include:

  • Serious illness
  • Natural disasters
  • Pending immigration relief applications outside of your control

Zenith Law Firm LLC can help you prepare persuasive, well-documented explanations to present to USCIS, increasing the likelihood that they will consider your late filing. While late submission may lead to processing delays, our goal is to minimize risks and protect your TPS status whenever possible.

TPS and Work Authorization

Many TPS holders qualify for automatic or extended work authorization during active TPS designation periods, allowing you to continue working legally in the United States. These work permits, called Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), are vital for maintaining financial stability and supporting families. TPS holders should be aware of renewal timelines to avoid gaps in employment eligibility. 

Zenith Law Firm LLC helps clients monitor these deadlines and submit timely applications or extensions for work authorization. This ensures you can focus on your life and career without unnecessary interruptions.

How TPS Protects Your Right to Work in the U.S.

TPS status provides important protections against employment discrimination based on your immigration status. Employers are required to recognize TPS as a valid basis for work authorization and cannot lawfully deny employment due to TPS status. This protection helps TPS holders secure and maintain jobs, which is essential for building a stable life during uncertain times. 

Handling Delays or Denials

If USCIS denies your TPS application or renewal, you typically have 30 days to appeal the decision to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO). If you are in removal proceedings, it is possible to request that an immigration judge review your TPS application. 

In some cases, filing a motion to reconsider with USCIS may also be an option, provided the proper forms and fees are submitted. Navigating these post-denial procedures requires careful legal guidance, and Zenith Law Firm LLC is here to guide you through the appeals process.

TPS and Criminal Records

Certain criminal convictions or other grounds of inadmissibility can affect your eligibility for TPS or impact your ability to maintain it once granted. Even minor offenses or past mistakes can sometimes lead to disqualification. It’s important to understand how different types of criminal history may influence your TPS application or renewal.

Misdemeanors, Felonies, and Ineligibility

The nature and number of criminal convictions affect eligibility for TPS. Certain serious felonies, including those involving moral turpitude or aggravated felonies, can result in automatic disqualification from TPS. 

Having two or more misdemeanor convictions committed in the United States may also lead to ineligibility. Beyond criminal convictions, other security-related grounds under immigration law, such as terrorism or espionage, can prevent approval of TPS. 

How a Lawyer Can Help You Fight Disqualification

Fighting a disqualification requires deep knowledge of immigration and criminal law, as well as experience handling complex cases. Zenith Law Firm LLC can work with you to review your immigration and criminal history, collect evidence, and prepare appeals or waiver requests where applicable.

How Zenith Law Firm LLC Supports TPS Applicants

At Zenith Law Firm LLC, we understand that each TPS applicant’s situation is unique and deserving of personalized care. We provide comprehensive legal support tailored to the specific needs of individuals and families navigating this time-consuming process. 

From initial eligibility evaluations to application preparation, renewals, and appeals, our team stands by you every step of the way. We are committed to making the TPS process as clear and manageable as possible by guiding you through paperwork, deadlines, and USCIS communications. Your case is important to us, and we strive to protect your rights and future in the U.S.

Country-Specific Legal Help (e.g., El Salvador, Venezuela, Haiti)

Each TPS-designated country has its own deadlines and requirements that can affect your application or renewal. At Zenith Law Firm LLC, we have experience assisting clients from countries such as El Salvador, Venezuela, Haiti, and several others. 

We tailor our legal strategies to address the unique challenges and opportunities that arise from each country’s situation and TPS designation history. Whether it’s helping you track changing deadlines, navigate re-registration rules, or gather country-specific evidence, we provide thoughtful and effective counsel. Our goal is to equip you with the best possible protections under U.S. immigration law.

Bilingual Assistance and Family Filing

Immigration is often a family journey, and clear communication is essential to success. Our multilingual team is dedicated to ensuring that you and your loved ones fully understand the TPS process and have your questions answered in your preferred language. We recognize the importance of cultural sensitivity and strive to create a welcoming, respectful environment for all clients. 

Whether you are filing individually or as a family, we help coordinate applications smoothly and accurately to minimize delays and complications. At Zenith Law Firm LLC, you are supported by a caring team that values your family’s goals and well-being.

What Happens If TPS Ends?

The end of a TPS designation can create uncertainty and concern for you and your family’s future in the United States. When TPS expires, you may lose protection from removal and valid work authorization, but there can still be options to maintain your immigration status. It’s important to act promptly and consult with experienced immigration attorneys who can assess your eligibility for other forms of relief or benefits. 

At Zenith Law Firm LLC, we help you understand your rights and explore all possible routes to remain safely in the U.S. Our goal is to provide guidance and peace of mind during what can be a stressful transition.

Can You Apply for Asylum or Another Status?

Being granted TPS does not prevent you from applying for asylum or other immigration statuses if you meet the eligibility criteria. Many TPS holders have compelling claims for asylum based on persecution or fear of harm in their home countries. 

You may also qualify for family-based or employment-based visas, adjustment of status, or other humanitarian protections. Our immigration attorneys carefully evaluate your individual circumstances and develop a customized strategy to improve your chances of success. We are here to help you navigate the immigration system while protecting your best interests.

Transitioning to a More Permanent Visa

Zenith Law Firm LLC can help you in planning and filing green card applications or other visas that lead to permanent residence. We help you identify the most suitable pathways based on your family, employment, and personal circumstances. 

Our team supports you through every step of the process from gathering documentation to responding to government requests and preparing for interviews. With our guidance, you can build a secure foundation for your future in the United States.

Reach Out to Our Bilingual TPS Attorneys Today

At Zenith Law Firm LLC, we understand the uncertainties TPS holders face and are ready to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today at (202) 679-8679 for a free, confidential consultation. Your pathway to protection and peace of mind starts here.

Feel free to reach out and speak with our experienced team of professionals who are here to provide you with legal guidance.
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