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Read article →Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, and Sheboygan counties · Chicago Immigration Court
TPS: Temporary Protected Status
TPS protects nationals of certain countries from deportation and gives them a work permit while the designation lasts. In 2025 and 2026 the government has ended or changed several designations and courts have stepped in. Attorney Javier Irizarry Lugo reviews what applies to your country today and what options you have if TPS ends.
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Chicago Immigration Court · Wisconsin circuit courts
How it works
- You qualify if you are a national of a designated country, have been physically present in the United States since the designation date, and have resided here since the date set by the government.
- You must register during the registration period (the law requires at least 180 days) and re-register each time the designation is extended. Missing a re-registration can cost the status.
- While TPS is in effect, the government cannot remove you, you have work authorization, and you can travel with advance permission.
- Anyone convicted of a felony or of two or more misdemeanors in the United States is not eligible.
- TPS alone does not lead to a green card. And for someone who entered without inspection, TPS does not count as a lawful entry for adjustment of status (Sanchez v. Mayorkas, 593 U.S. 409 (2021)).
What the attorney does
- Verifies your country's current designation in the Federal Register, the registration dates and any pending litigation, because notices change on short notice.
- Prepares the initial registration or re-registration with proof of nationality, presence and residence, and the work permit.
- Reviews whether you have a more stable path: family petition, asylum, U visa, cancellation of removal, depending on your history.
- If the designation ends, explains the deadline, the risk and the strategy before the status expires.
What to bring to the consultation
- Passport or proof of nationality.
- Prior TPS approval notices and work permits.
- Proof that you were here on the designation date: receipts, leases, medical or school records.
- Papers from any arrest or conviction.
- Any pending immigration application.
Common questions
Is my country still designated?
It depends on the date you read this. Designations are extended or ended by government notice and several are in litigation. Call and we verify it against the current notice, not a news story.
If TPS ends, am I deported right away?
Not automatically. When it ends, you return to the status you had before, and the government may start a case. Reviewing other paths before it ends is what makes the difference.
Can I travel with TPS?
Only with travel permission approved before leaving. Leaving without it can cost you TPS and create other problems on return.
I have TPS and married a citizen. Can I adjust?
If you entered with inspection, usually yes. If you entered without inspection, the Supreme Court held that TPS does not count as a lawful entry; other paths must be considered, such as travel permission or consular processing.
Does an arrest take away TPS?
An arrest does not; a conviction can. Two misdemeanor convictions or one felony disqualify. Before accepting any plea in a criminal case, consult.