TPS to Green Card 2024 UPDATE - Temporary Protected Status

TPS To Green Card Process

If I Have Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Can I Apply for a Green Card?

TPS Definition

Temporary Protected Status is given to eligible citizens of certain countries following natural disasters and/or armed conflicts. Citizens of these countries that apply to receive temporary protection status and are granted such status, are given temporary stay in the United States of America. TPS renewals range from 6 months to 18 months.

The current administration is trying to do away with TPS in the near future.

Eligible TPS Countries

El Salvador TPS to Green Card
Haiti TPS to Green Card
Honduras TPS to Green Card
Nepal TPS to Green Card
Nicaragua TPS to Green Card
Somalia TPS to Green Card
Sudan TPS to Green Card
South Sudan TPS to Green Card
Syria TPS to Green Card
Yemen TPS to Green Card

Does TPS Give Me a Pathway to a Green Card?

Having TPS does not guarantee a pathway to a green card. In order to apply for a green you must have a separate basis to apply. With the current administration, the rules and laws are changing for TPS holders, and the future is uncertain for TPS holders. Having another option in terms of obtaining a green card is a good start. It is best to speak with an experienced Houston immigration attorney Pegah Rahgozar at (832) 792-3636 to see what your options are.

Current Law Regarding Temporary Protected Status

The current administration announced that it plans to end temporary protected status for citizens of the following four countries: El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan. However, in 2018 the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued a block on the proposed law. As of now, TPS holders of these countries cannot be terminated, but the administration is seeking to appeal the court’s decision.

What Should I Do If I Have TPS?

Explore your options. The Rahgozar Law Firm is here to represent you every step of the way in obtaining a green card to stay in the United States. Ms. Pegah Rahgozar is a Houston immigration lawyer who can assist you with issues relating to ensuring you obtain a green card and are allowed to stay in the United States. Ms. Pegah Rahgozar and her team will find the best solution that works for you.

From initial determination of your best options through obtaining your green card, Pegah Rahgozar will assist you and be the advocate you need by your side. Some TPS applicants may be eligible to apply for a green card but it depends on the facts of your case and whether you have a US citizen immediate relative, such as a child over 21 years, a spouse, or a parent, and you’ve also received advance parole/been paroled into the United States. Some jurisdictions will allow you to file for a green card through TPS and your US citizen immediate relative, without the necessity of having to be paroled into the United States. Certain jurisdictions deem the status of TPS as having “admission” which is a requirement in processing your green card application in the United States. For a thorough analysis to see if you qualify to apply for a green card while in the United States, it is best to schedule an appointment to with Green Card lawyer Pegah Rahgozar at (832) 792-3636.

Rights of a Green Card Holder

Possession of a green card comes with the right of permanent residence. A green card is an ID which indicates a date when you received a residence permit, as well as a code corresponding to the method of obtaining (employment-based residence, through a family member, etc.).

A green card means that it holder may move freely within the United States, work legally, leave and come to the country at his/her discretion, etc. It should be noted that there are some restrictions on entry due to a long absence in the country or criminal activity. In addition to the above privileges, a residence permit holder is allowed to serve in the Armed Forces. If you are a male immigrant over the age of 18, you must subscribe for the selective service, which means that you can be called up for military service.

Permanent Residence Through Employment

A person is required to have a green card if he or she wants to receive a permanent full-time job in the USA while not being a citizen or permanent resident. A green card request for such an employee must be filed by the employer.

Depending on the qualification requirements of the job and the expertise of the applicants themselves, there are 5 priority groups. As a rule, an applicant will be assigned to a group with a higher priority status if he / she has the necessary qualification, demanded skills, or extraordinary abilities. Recognized experts in their fields can get a green card relatively quickly while it may take years for ordinary employees.

Green Cards for Family Members

If you are a US citizen or permanent resident, you are able to petition (sponsor) to bring certain family members to the country. The wait time largely depends on the status of the sponsored person or type of the relationships you have with him or her.

Typically, the wait time is not applied if you want to sponsor your spouse, child under 21 year of age, or parent. However, if you want to bring children older than 21, married children younger than 21, or a sibling to the USA, the wait time might exceed decades.

Since applying for a family-based permanent residence does not endow a sponsored with a legal status, it makes sense to contact a Houston immigration lawyer to consider possible options. There are programs for short-term and temporary residence in the United States that a family member can use while waiting for a green card approval.

Other Ways to Get Green Card

If you are willing to invest a certain amount of money in a real estate or business in Houston or its surroundings, you are eligible for residency on the basis of an immigrant investor visa EB-5. This visa allows obtaining a conditional residence for two years. During this period, you can apply for removing of conditions and if your application is approved, you will receive a permanent resident card for 10 years.

Refugees and individuals seeking asylum in the United States can also apply for a green card. Under certain conditions, the status of a permanent resident can also be obtained if you, as a spouse or child, have been subjected to domestic violence.

Citizens of countries with low immigration to the United States can hope for permanent residence via the Diversity Visa Program also known as the Green Card Lottery. 50,000 randomly selected applicants may win a green card each year.

Permanent Residence Green Card Lawyer in Houston

If you want to get a green card based on employment, family, marriage, or other types of permanent residence, you should understand that the process of obtaining the desired status can be difficult, complicated, and quite long.

Given the current immigration climate and the constant changes in immigration laws, there is no room for mistakes; hence you should apply for highly-qualified legal assistance.

Call Pegah Rahgozar Houston immigration attorney at (832) 792-3636 and we will guide you through all the details of the immigration process, help you collect the necessary documents, prepare an application for permanent residence, hold your hand through the complex and stressful process, and ensure a positive solution to your case.

FAQ

Do I qualify for TPS?

Generally speaking, you must be a national of a country that is designated a TPS country, and you must be continuously physically present and continuously residing in the United States from specific dates set for each country. Additioanlly, you need to meet the requirements for TPS before filing Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status

How can TPS lead to a Green Card?

Having TPS does not guarantee a pathway to a green card. In order to apply for a green you must have a separate basis to apply. With the current administration, the rules and laws are changing for TPS holders, and the future is uncertain for TPS holders. Schedule a consult with our firm for more info.

TPS to Green Card