U.S. immigration law is so complex, it can be confusing to understand, even if you are well-versed in this type of law. For the average immigrant family who may be residing in Colorado, numerous issues or situations may prompt legal status problems. If you don’t know your rights or where to seek support to help protect them, you could land in a heap of trouble.
In certain situations, you may be able to stay in the United States on a temporary basis under protection of the U.S. government. Temporary Protected Status isn’t available to everyone. However, if you are a national who meets the requirements, you might be eligible for protection. It’s helpful to ask someone familiar with the process to help you navigate the system.
Get the facts straight to avoid legal problems
The basic desire to stay in the United States is not enough to convince immigration officials to grant a protected status. The following list, however, contains numerous issues that might prompt the U.S. government to grant temporary protection to you as a foreign national in need of assistance:
- If there is an ongoing civil war in your country of origin
- If you fled an environment or national disaster, such as a hurricane or health epidemic
- If you can show evidence of need due to extraordinary conditions
To be eligible for TPS, you must have been present in the United States since a specific date. If the Secretary of U.S. Department of Homeland Security believes it is unsafe for you to return to your country of origin, or your home country cannot process your return due to certain conditions, then you may be able to apply for a temporary protective legal status.
Benefits of having this status
If the U.S. government grants you a protected status, you automatically obtain certain benefits, as described in the following list:
- Freedom to seek and obtain employment in the United States
- Protection against deportation
- Eligibility to seek authorization to travel
At least 60 days before your TPS expires, you may request an extension. Such extensions are typically available for six-, 12- or 18-month periods. Officials will review your petition and determine whether circumstances exist and requirements are met to warrant extension. Most Colorado immigrants who run into legal status problems seek guidance and support from experienced U.S. immigration law attorneys.