The Department of Homeland Security announced Temporary Protected Status designation effective on November 21, 2014, for nationals of three countries – Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a way to halt deportations to a country that cannot handle the return of its nationals due to conditions of civil war, a disaster such as earthquake or hurricane, or an epidemic such as parts of West Africa are now experiencing with Ebola. The designation means nationals of designated countries can apply for formal protection from deportation and temporary work authorization.
The requirements for applicants from Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone are:
1) National of a designated country (or a person who last habitually resided in a designated country)
2) Have been continuously physically present in the U.S. since the effective date for the particular country (which is Nov. 21, 2014 for Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone)
3) Have been continuously residing in the U.S. since a certain date (Nov. 20, 2014 for Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone)
4) Be applying during the right time
a. For Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone, we are currently within the open initial registration period, lasting from Nov. 21, 2014, through May 20, 2015
b. Or during a renewal registration period after having initially registered
c. Or meet the (strict) requirements for late initial filing
5) NOT have been convicted of any felony or two or more misdemeanors in the U.S.
6) NOT be inadmissible for non-waivable criminal and security-related grounds
7) NOT have persecuted others or engaged in terrorism
Nationals of Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone must apply for initial TPS registration before May 20, 2015. The TPS status will last for 18 months at a time.
Other nations have already been designated for TPS, including El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Somalia, Sudan, and Syria.