How TPS Can Protect You from Deportation

How TPS Stops Deportation and Keeps You Safe

Let me say this right from the heart: if you’re in the U.S. right now and your home country is going through something terrible—whether it’s war, political chaos, or disaster—you’re not alone. There’s a way for you to stay here legally and safely, and it’s called Temporary Protected Status, or TPS.

I know just thinking about immigration paperwork can make you freeze. The forms, the rules, the fees—it’s a lot. But here’s the good news: you can do this. Being a lawyer isn’t required. Perfect English isn’t necessary. What you need is a clear guide and someone to walk you through it.

That’s what this is. I’m going to break it all down so you feel more confident about applying for TPS. Let’s take it one step at a time.

What Is TPS, and Who Is It For?

TPS stands for Temporary Protected Status. It’s a legal status the U.S. government gives to people from specific countries that are considered unsafe to return to. That could mean civil war, an earthquake, political collapse—anything that puts people’s lives in danger back home.

If you’re from one of those countries and you were already in the U.S. when your country was added to the “TPS country list”, then you might be eligible.

TPS allows you to:

• Stay in the U.S. temporarily without being deported
• Apply for a TPS work permit
• Request special permission to travel (not automatic—you need to apply for that separately)

It’s not a green card. It doesn’t make you a citizen. But it gives you breathing room. And for people who live every day wondering if they’ll be forced to leave, that’s huge.

TPS Stops Deportation — Here’s How

Let’s say you’re in the U.S. without a valid immigration status. Maybe your visa expired. Maybe you never had one. Normally, that puts you at risk of removal. But once you’re approved for TPS, that changes.

Here’s what happens once your TPS application is approved:

1. You are protected from deportation

This is the big one. While you have TPS, you are legally allowed to stay in the U.S. The government cannot deport you based on your lack of immigration status alone.

2. You can apply for a work permit

Through “Form I-765”, you can get legal permission to work. That means you don’t have to take unsafe jobs or work under the table. You can live with dignity.

3. You can apply for a travel permit

If you need to leave the U.S. for a serious reason—family emergency, medical need—you can request a travel authorization document through form I-131. But don’t leave without it, or you risk being denied entry with advance parole.

4. You are no longer considered undocumented while TPS is active

That means less fear in everyday life. You’re not “hiding” or “illegal.” The law protects you.

It’s Not Just for People with Clean Immigration Histories

One of the most powerful things about TPS is that it can protect people even if they crossed the border without a visa or overstayed a visa.

Let that sink in for a second.

If you entered the U.S. without permission—but you’re from a country that’s now been designated for TPS—you may still qualify.

Now, TPS does have some requirements:

• You must be from a country that’s been designated
• You must have been in the U.S. on the specific date listed for your country
• You must have lived here continuously since then
• You can’t have certain types of criminal records

But even if you’ve been undocumented for years, if you meet the requirements for TPS, you may still be eligible. TPS is not just for people who came here the “right way.”

How Do You Apply for TPS?

The main form is called Form I-821, also known as the application for temporary protected status.

You’ll need to:

• Fill out Form I-821 completely and accurately
• Submit documents proving your nationality and that you’ve lived in the U.S.
• Pay the “TPS application fee” (or ask for a fee waiver)
• Attend your biometrics appointment after applying
• Optionally apply for a work permit using Form I-765

You can file online through the TPS online application portal or by mail. USCIS has clear instructions on how to file for TPS, and many community organizations can help you, too.

Once you’ve applied, USCIS will send you a receipt and schedule your fingerprint appointment. From there, it may take a few months before you get a decision. You can check your I-821 processing time online.

Can You Still Be Deported After Applying?

This is an important question. Just applying for TPS does not protect you from deportation. You are only protected once you are approved.

So if you’re at risk, it’s smart to apply as soon as possible—and correctly. If you’re unsure about how to file the TPS form online or need help, many nonprofit legal clinics offer support, sometimes for free.

Once you’re approved, that’s when TPS protection begins. While TPS is valid, USCIS will not try to remove you.

What Happens If TPS Expires?

TPS is temporary. It usually lasts 18 months at a time. When your country’s TPS designation is renewed, you’ll have to re-register.

This is called TPS re-registration or TPS renewal. You’ll file the same “Form I-821” and probably Form I-765 again if you want to keep working.

You’ll pay the TPS renewal fee unless you qualify for a waiver. Keep an eye on USCIS announcements for your country so you don’t miss the TPS re-registration window. If you forget or miss the deadline, you could lose your protection—and yes, that means deportation becomes a possibility again.

Can TPS Help You Stay Longer or Permanently?

Here’s the truth: TPS is not a green card. It doesn’t directly lead to permanent residency. But it can buy you time. And sometimes, that time opens other doors.

• If you have a U.S. citizen spouse or child, you might be able to apply for a green card
• If you qualify for other immigration programs like asylum, VAWA, or U Visa, TPS can protect you while you apply
• If you entered with a visa and now have a job sponsor or family petition (like “immigration forms I-130”), TPS helps you stay legal while waiting

So while TPS is temporary, it can be part of your longer journey to permanent status.

You’re Not Alone—Let’s Do It Together

If you’re unsure about how to apply for TPS, how to fill out Form I-821, or how much time is required, we’re here to support you. Whether you’re applying for the first time or going through a “TPS renewal application”, visit Passage Law here. We’ll walk you through it without pressure, judgment, or fear.

Reach out now—your safety matters. Let’s protect it together.

Disclaimer: This article offers general legal information, not legal advice. Do not rely upon this information without seeking legal counsel. If you need legal advice, you may contact us directly to speak with an attorney. We disclaim all liability with respect to actions taken based on any information presented. Every case is different, and outcomes will vary depending on the unique facts and legal issues of your case.