
Temporary Protection Status Attorney in Dallas
If you are currently enjoying life in Dallas, spending days at Klyde Warren Park and evenings eating BBQ at The Exchange at AT&T Discovery District, and want to stay in the United States because returning to your home country would put your life at risk, you may need the help of a Dallas temporary protection status lawyer.
The team at Serrano Law Firm PLLC has been representing clients in their immigration cases for over two decades. We have helped thousands of clients from more than 50 countries in many areas of immigration law and naturalization. We have helped many clients in the Dallas area in situations similar to yours and are ready to assist you, too.
What is Temporary Protected Status?
Congress created TPS in the Immigration Act of 1990. Temporary protected status, or TPS, is a non-permanent immigration status offered to people from certain countries who are experiencing adverse conditions such as armed conflict, natural disaster, or other unsafe living conditions. TPS designations are made by the Secretary of Homeland Security, and they last for six, 12, or 18 months.
As of March 2025, there were 1,297,635 people living in the U.S. under TPS. It allows people who are already in the United States to remain here legally and even get legal work authorization, while it is unsafe for them to return to their country.
Temporary protected status does not lead to a green card or permanent residency on its own, but it does protect someone from deportation. At the end of the designated period, for each country, the Secretary of Homeland Security determines if another extension or designation period can be granted. The determination is based on the conditions of the country. As of March 2026, the United States has 11 countries designated for temporary protection status.
Who is Eligible for Temporary Protected Status?
The Code of Federal Regulations (8 CFR §244) states the criteria needed to qualify for temporary protected status. People who qualify for TPS protections must:
- Be a national of a country designated for TPS. The list of countries is on the S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
- Have lived in the United States continuously since the latest TPS designation period started.
- Have been in the United States since the date in the Federal Register notice of designation.
- Submit their application for TPS within the correct timeline.
- Not be inadmissible for any reason, such as national security reasons or a felony conviction.
Applying for Temporary Protected Status
Applying for TPS includes a few steps. You may want to hire a temporary protection status lawyer to assist you, as the immigration process can be complicated. An attorney familiar with temporary protection status laws can help you avoid mistakes and secure your immigration status. The application process includes the following steps:
- Complete and submit USCIS Form 1-821 with the proper filing fee, proof of identity, nationality, and residence. Applicants over the age of 14 must also submit a fee for biometric services.
- Complete and file Form I-765 for employment authorization if you are between the ages of 14 and 65.
- Re-register with the USCIS for each TPS extension for your country.
- If denied, check the notice to see if you are allowed to appeal.
You can fill out the forms on the USCIS website or have them mailed to your address. An attorney familiar with temporary protection laws can help you complete the forms and gather the required documentation. Documentation includes:
- Passport, birth certificate, or document proving your identity
- Utility bills, rental agreements, medical records, or employment records to show evidence of continuous residence
- Documents proving your presence in the United States on the required dates for your country.
Why Hire a Temporary Protection Status Lawyer?
The steps involved in applying for TPS require careful attention in order for an application to be successful. A Dallas temporary protection status attorney can guide you through the process step by step. They can help you determine if you are eligible for protection and aid you in gathering the documentation needed.
An attorney familiar with temporary protection status cases can assist you with completing all the necessary forms, submit them on your behalf, and then monitor the status of your application. If the USCIS requests additional information or needs further evidence, your attorney can help you respond. Once you have temporary protected status, your attorney can monitor the status of your country and make sure you keep your registration up to date according to the law in Dallas.
FAQs
What Are the Conditions for Temporary Protected Status?
The conditions for temporary protected status include being a national of a country designated for temporary protected status, living in the United States since the date specified by the USCIS for your country, and living in the U.S. since your most recent TPS designation. If you have been convicted of a felony, you may not be eligible.
Contact a Temporary Protection Status Attorney
If you’re looking for temporary status protection, contact Serrano Law Firm PLLC. We can help determine if you are eligible, get the process started, and monitor the status of your home country so you can stay in the United States safely while under protected status.