Designation of Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status

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March 4, 2022

On March 3, 2022, Secretary of Homeland Security Alexander Mayorkas announced the designation of Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. In the news release announcing the designation, Secretary Mayorkas stated the designation resulted from “Russia’s premeditated and unprovoked attack on Ukraine [that] has resulted in an ongoing war, senseless violence, and Ukrainians [being] forced to seek refuge in other countries.”

Individuals eligible for TPS under this designation must have continuously resided in the United States since March 1, 2022. Individuals who attempt to travel to the United States after March 1, 2022 will not be eligible for TPS.

A country may be designated for TPS when the Secretary of Homeland Security determines that conditions in the country temporarily prevent the country’s nationals from returning safely. The Secretary may designate a country for TPS due to temporary conditions such as: ongoing armed conflict, an environmental disaster, an epidemic, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions. Once a country has been designated for TPS, individuals who are TPS beneficiaries or eligible for TPS are not removable from the United States and can obtain employment authorization and/or travel authorization. Individuals granted TPS also may not be detained on the basis of their immigration status.

TAGS: TPS, Ukraine, USCIS