TPS for Colombians in the United States: What it is and who can apply

TPS for Colombians in the EEUU

Introduction

The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program is designed to protect citizens from certain countries that are facing crises, such as natural disasters, armed conflicts, or extraordinary conditions that make it unsafe to return to their home country. This status allows beneficiaries to live and work legally in the United States without the fear of deportation while the program remains in effect. In this blog, we will discuss what TPS is, who can apply, the benefits of the program, and the importance of keeping your status updated for Colombians in the U.S.

Who can apply for TPS?

To apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) as a Colombian citizen, you must meet certain requirements. Although conditions may vary slightly depending on program updates, there are general criteria that must be met:

  1. Being a Colombian citizen or national TPS is designated for citizens of countries listed by the U.S. government, and Colombia has been one of those countries on several occasions. It’s important to verify if your country is still eligible for TPS, as the program’s designation may be temporary and subject to change.
  2. Continuous residence in the U.S. to be eligible, you must have continuously resided in the United States since the date the U.S. government designated Colombia as an eligible country for TPS. This date may vary depending on the designation, so it’s crucial to verify the details. Applicants must have been physically present in the U.S. on the date of the designation and have continuously resided since that date.
  3. No serious criminal convictions to qualify for TPS, you must not have been convicted of serious crimes or multiple minor offenses. If you have a criminal background, it is essential to check whether this affects your eligibility.
  4. Required documentation the necessary documentation for applying includes proof of your identity, such as a Colombian passport, and evidence of your residence in the U.S. during the eligibility
    period. A completed application (Form I-821) and Form I-765, if you wish to obtain work authorization, may also be required.

Benefits of TPS for Colombians

TPS provides several key benefits to Colombian citizens who qualify for the program, including:

  1. Legal work authorization one of the main benefits of TPS is that it allows applicants to work legally in the U.S. while the program is in effect. By receiving work authorization, beneficiaries can be employed in any sector, which helps them stay financially active during their time in the country.
  2. Protection against deportation TPS also provides protection against deportation. This means that while you are under TPS status, you will not be deported to Colombia, even if your visa or other immigration status has expired. This offers a sense of security to individuals who are in the U.S. but do not have another legal way to remain in the country.
  3. Ability to apply for other immigration benefits While TPS is not a direct pathway to permanent residency, having temporary protected status may allow individuals to apply for other immigration benefits in the future, depending on personal circumstances and changes in immigration laws.

Renewal and deadlines

It is important to note that TPS is not permanent and must be renewed periodically. TPS beneficiaries must be aware of renewal dates, as the status can expire if renewal is not requested on time. Typically, TPS is granted for periods of 6 to 18 months, but this may vary depending on U.S. government updates and conditions in the home country.

  1. Stay informed about updates the U.S. government regularly reviews conditions in TPS-designated countries and may decide to extend, terminate, or change the TPS designation for a country. It is crucial to stay informed about any changes in immigration policy or updates related to TPS for Colombia.
  2. Request renewal on time if you are already under TPS, you must apply for renewal before your status expires to avoid interruptions in your benefits. Usually, USCIS sends renewal reminders, but it is always advisable to verify deadlines to ensure you do not miss any important dates.

Conclusion

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a valuable tool for Colombians in the United States who need protection due to extraordinary circumstances in their home country. If you are Colombian and meet the requirements, you can benefit from protection against deportation and legal work authorization while the program remains in effect. However, it is important to stay aware of renewal deadlines and keep all documentation in order to avoid interruptions in your status.

If you have doubts about the process or are unsure if you qualify for TPS, we recommend seeking help from an immigration attorney. Starting your application on time and staying informed about requirements and deadlines is essential to take advantage of the TPS benefits and protect your immigration status in the U.S.