Helping Citizens from Unsafe Countries Legally Stay in the United States

Mazaheri Law Firm offers legal assistance to foreign individuals who seek to apply for Temporary Protected Status, also known as TPS, in Oklahoma City and its surrounding areas. The Department of Homeland Security designates specific countries as unsafe and allows its citizens visiting the U.S. to apply for a temporary nonimmigrant visa until the situation in their country has improved.

Our team understands how daunting the immigration process can be and we are committed to guiding you through the application system. We have extensive experience helping individuals looking to legally live and work in the United States. Our immigration lawyers are here to address any questions you may have about your and your family’s specific situation.

Call Mazaheri Law Firm today at (405) 645-6022 or fill out our online formto schedule a Temporary Protected Status consultation with one of our Oklahoma City immigration lawyers.

Who Is Eligible for Temporary Protected Status?

Temporary Protected Status is a short-term immigration option and is different from asylum immigration status. The Department of Homeland Security evaluates countries whose citizens are eligible for TPS based on current economic hardships, political unrest, wars, natural disasters, or other exceptional circumstances that make it unsafe for its people to go back after visiting the U.S. The list changes over time as the situation evolves in specific countries.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) currently lists the following countries for Temporary Protected Status:

• Afghanistan
• Burma (Myanmar)
• El Salvador
• Haiti
• Honduras
• Nepal
• Nicaragua
• Somalia
• Sudan
• South Sudan
• Syria
• Ukraine
• Venezuela
• Yemen

To qualify for TPS, you must:

• Either be a citizen of this country or someone without nationality who last resided in a TPS-eligible country.
• Apply for TPS during the open initial registration or re-registration period unless you meet the requirements for a late initial filing.
• Have maintained continuous physical presence and residence in the U.S. since the most recent designation date of your country.
• Not meet any criteria that would prevent you from applying for asylum.
• Have received no convictions for any felony or two or more misdemeanors in the U.S.
• Not be subject to a criminal or security inadmissibility ground.

What Are the Benefits and Obligations of Temporary Protected Status?

A key component of TPS is that it is usually a short-term solution since it is temporary as its name indicates. Although this nonimmigrant visa grants you significant benefits, your goal should be to return to your home country when the situation allows you to safely do so.

Benefits of TPS include:

• No deportation
• No detainment by the Department of Homeland Security
• Ability to receive an employment authorization document or EAD
• Ability to apply for travel authorization

Throughout your time on a Temporary Protected Status, you must continue to meet all eligibility requirements and all deadlines for re-registration.

Hire Mazaheri Law Firm to Assist You Throughout Your TPS Application Process

Any immigration application requires a high level of accuracy and thoroughness, but it can be especially so when you were not planning to apply for a visa. At Mazaheri Law Firm, our attorneys are here to review your situation and educate you on your rights and obligations under the Temporary Protected Status.

We can help you prepare your application package including properly filled out forms and necessary supportive documents. Our team also ensures that you submit your petition to USCIS within the required time frame.

A TPS application package requires the following elements:

• Form I-821: Application for Temporary Protected Status
• Identity and nationality evidence
• Date of entry evidence
• Continuous residence evidence
• Certified English translation of any document in a different language
• Any necessary fees

If USCIS approves your petition, we can help you maintain your status until you can safely return to your country. Should USCIS deny your Temporary Protected Status application, we can help you find a solution to legally remain in the U.S. In the event that you marry a U.S. citizen after obtaining your TPS, we can assist you in applying for a family-based green card.

Are you planning to apply for Temporary Protected Status in Oklahoma City or its surrounding areas? Contact Mazaheri Law Firmtoday at (405) 645-6022 to schedule an appointment with one of our immigration lawyers!