What is TPS?
Temporary Protected Status allows nationals of another country to temporarily remain in the United States if during the time they were in the U.S., a natural disaster, epidemic, war or other extraordinary temporary circumstance occurred in their country preventing them from safely returning home.
TPS holders are protected from deportation and receive work authorization to support themselves while they remain in the United States.
TPS does not provide a path to citizenship.
Why is TPS in the news?
The Department of Homeland Security must decide to extend or terminate each country’s TPS 60 days prior to its expiration date. Honduras and Nicaragua were expiring in January 2018. DHS announced Nov. 6 that TPS for Honduras is extended until July 5, 2018 and TPS for Nicaragua will terminate on Jan. 5, 2019.
Who will be affected by these decisions?
These decisions affect our sisters and brothers who are leaders in their communities, hard workers in their professions, and loving members of their families. Many TPS holders, particularly those from Central America, have lived, worked, and been part of our communities for nearly two decades.
Why should I care about TPS?
TPS embodies core tenets of the IUPAT social teaching on immigration. People have the right to migrate to sustain their lives and the lives of their families and a country must regulate its borders with justice and mercy.