TPS Temporary Protected Status in Colton: Guide for Arab Immigrants
Comprehensive guide to Temporary Protected Status eligibility, applications, and renewals for the Arab community in San Bernardino County
Quick Answer
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) provides work authorization and deportation protection for nationals from designated countries including Syria, Yemen, Sudan, and Somalia. Colton residents can apply during registration periods or for re-registration if already holding TPS.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
Colton, located in San Bernardino County, is home to a diverse Arab community including families from Syria, Yemen, Sudan, and Somalia. These nationals may qualify for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a vital immigration protection that provides work authorization and safety from deportation. This comprehensive guide explains everything Colton residents need to know about TPS eligibility, applications, and maintaining protected status.
What is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?
TPS provides three essential protections:
1. Protection from Deportation: TPS holders cannot be removed from the United States while their status remains valid
2. Employment Authorization: TPS beneficiaries receive work permits (Employment Authorization Documents) allowing legal employment anywhere in the United States
3. Travel Authorization: With advance parole, TPS holders can travel internationally and return to the United States
TPS is a temporary status that must be renewed during designated registration periods. It does not directly lead to permanent residence, but TPS holders may pursue other immigration pathways while protected. The program has existed since 1990 under the Immigration Act, providing crucial protection for hundreds of thousands of foreign nationals in the United States.
Current TPS Designated Countries
| Country | Current Designation | Re-Registration Period | Relevance to Arab Community |
|---|---|---|---|
| Syria | Extended through 2027 | Check USCIS for dates | Primary Arab country - civil war ongoing |
| Yemen | Extended through 2027 | Check USCIS for dates | Primary Arab country - humanitarian crisis |
| Sudan | Extended through 2026 | Check USCIS for dates | Arab African nation - conflict ongoing |
| Somalia | Extended through 2026 | Check USCIS for dates | East African nation with Arab ties |
| South Sudan | Extended through 2026 | Check USCIS for dates | Conflict and humanitarian crisis |
| Lebanon | Check current status | If designated | Potential future designation |
| Afghanistan | Extended through 2026 | Check USCIS for dates | Muslim-majority nation |
| Ukraine | Extended through 2026 | Check USCIS for dates | Recent designation |
| Venezuela | Extended through 2026 | Check USCIS for dates | Latin American designation |
| Haiti | Extended through 2026 | Check USCIS for dates | Caribbean designation |
TPS Eligibility Requirements
- •Nationality: You must be a national of a TPS-designated country (or a person without nationality who last habitually resided in that country)
- •Continuous Physical Presence: You must have been continuously physically present in the United States since the date specified for your country's designation
- •Continuous Residence: You must have resided continuously in the United States since the date specified in the TPS designation
- •Filing Deadline: You must file during an open initial registration period or re-registration period
- •Admissibility: You must not be inadmissible under certain immigration grounds (waivers available for some grounds)
- •Criminal Bars: You must not have been convicted of a felony or two or more misdemeanors in the United States
- •Persecution Bar: You must not have persecuted others based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group membership
Initial TPS Registration vs Re-Registration
Initial TPS Registration:
Initial registration is for individuals who have never had TPS before. To be eligible, you must demonstrate that you were present in the United States on the designation date for your country and have maintained continuous residence and physical presence since that date. Initial registration periods are announced when a country is first designated or redesignated for TPS.
Requirements for initial registration include:
• Proof of nationality from a designated country
• Evidence of continuous physical presence since the designation date
• Evidence of continuous residence since the required date
• Completed Form I-821 (Application for TPS)
• Completed Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
• All required supporting documents and fees
TPS Re-Registration:
Re-registration is for individuals who already hold valid TPS status and need to maintain their protection. DHS announces re-registration periods before current designations expire. Missing re-registration deadlines can result in loss of TPS status and work authorization.
Re-registration requirements include:
• Valid existing TPS status
• Filing during the announced re-registration period
• Completed Form I-821 marked as re-registration
• Form I-765 if renewing work authorization
• Updated evidence if circumstances have changed
• All required fees
Late Initial Registration:
In some cases, individuals may qualify for late initial registration if they meet specific criteria such as:
• Being a child of a TPS holder who turned 21
• Having a qualifying change in circumstances
• Previously being in a valid immigration status that has since expired
Required Documents for TPS Application
- •Form I-821: Application for Temporary Protected Status - the primary TPS application form
- •Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization Document - required if you want work authorization
- •Passport or travel document: Current or expired passport from your country of nationality
- •Birth certificate: Official birth certificate with certified English translation
- •National ID card: If available, provides additional proof of nationality
- •Evidence of entry date: I-94, passport stamps, airline tickets, or other proof of when you entered the U.S.
- •Evidence of continuous residence: Lease agreements, utility bills, bank statements, employment records, school records, medical records, tax returns
- •Evidence of continuous physical presence: Similar documents showing you remained in the United States
- •Two passport-style photos: Recent photos meeting USCIS specifications
- •Filing fees: Current fees for I-821 and I-765 (fee waivers available for those who qualify)
- •Prior TPS approval notices: If re-registering, include previous approval documents
- •Employment Authorization Document: Copy of current EAD if re-registering
TPS Work Authorization (Employment Authorization Document)
Obtaining Your Initial EAD:
When you apply for TPS, you can simultaneously apply for an EAD using Form I-765. The EAD allows you to work legally for any employer in the United States. Processing times vary, but USCIS typically issues EADs within 3-6 months of filing.
Automatic EAD Extensions:
When DHS extends a TPS designation and announces a re-registration period, it typically also provides automatic extensions of existing EADs. This means your current work permit remains valid while your re-registration application is pending. You must carry proof of the automatic extension (Federal Register notice) along with your expired EAD.
EAD Card Details:
TPS-based EADs contain the category code A-12 or C-19, identifying you as a TPS holder. The card includes your photo, name, date of birth, and expiration date. Employers use this card to verify your work eligibility through the I-9 process.
Renewing Your EAD:
To maintain work authorization, you must file Form I-765 with each TPS re-registration. Never let your EAD lapse without filing for renewal, as gaps in work authorization can affect your employment. File your re-registration and EAD renewal as soon as the registration period opens.
What to Do If Your EAD Expires:
If your EAD expires before your renewal is processed, check if an automatic extension applies. Contact our office for guidance on documenting automatic extensions for your employer. We help Colton residents understand their rights and maintain continuous work authorization.
Travel with TPS (Advance Parole Considerations)
Advance Parole Requirement:
Before traveling internationally, TPS holders must obtain Advance Parole (Form I-131, Application for Travel Document). Traveling without advance parole can result in loss of TPS status and potentially trigger bars to re-entry.
How to Apply for Advance Parole:
File Form I-131 with USCIS, indicating you hold TPS and need to travel temporarily. Include evidence of your TPS status, reason for travel, and all required fees. Processing times can take several months, so plan well in advance.
Important Travel Warnings:
• Never travel to your home country: Returning to Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, or other designated countries can void your TPS status. USCIS may determine that you no longer need protection.
• Travel to third countries: Travel to countries other than your home country is generally permitted with advance parole, but exercise caution.
• Re-entry considerations: Upon return, present your advance parole document, valid TPS status evidence, and valid passport to CBP officers.
• Pending applications: Traveling while immigration applications are pending can complicate your case.
Benefits of Travel with Advance Parole:
For TPS holders who entered the United States without inspection (crossed the border without documents), travel with advance parole and lawful return can create a lawful entry record. This lawful entry may be important for future immigration benefits, including adjustment of status to permanent residence.
Travel Document Processing:
Advance parole documents are typically valid for one year or until your TPS status expires, whichever comes first. You must have valid TPS status to travel on advance parole. Apply for new advance parole before each international trip if your previous document has expired.
TPS Renewal and Redesignation
TPS Extensions:
DHS regularly reviews conditions in designated countries and decides whether to extend TPS designations. Extensions are announced in the Federal Register and on the USCIS website. When TPS is extended, current beneficiaries can re-register to maintain their status.
Redesignation:
Redesignation is different from extension. When DHS redesignates a country for TPS, it opens registration to individuals who arrived after the original designation date but before the new designation date. Redesignation can benefit people who were previously ineligible because they arrived too recently.
Termination of TPS:
If DHS determines that conditions in a country have improved sufficiently, it may terminate TPS designation. Termination is announced with advance notice (typically 60-180 days) to allow beneficiaries to prepare. During this time, legal challenges may be filed, and beneficiaries should consult with immigration attorneys about their options.
Re-Registration Process:
When a re-registration period opens:
1. File Form I-821 marked as re-registration
2. File Form I-765 for EAD renewal
3. Submit required fees or fee waiver request
4. Provide updated evidence if your circumstances have changed
5. File before the re-registration deadline
Consequences of Missing Re-Registration:
Failing to re-register during the designated period can result in loss of TPS status and work authorization. If you miss the deadline, you may be able to file a late registration with evidence of good cause for the delay. Contact our office immediately if you missed a re-registration deadline.
Path from TPS to Green Card
Family-Based Immigration:
If you have a U.S. citizen or permanent resident family member who can petition for you, family-based immigration may be an option. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouse, parent of adult citizen, unmarried child under 21) have the most direct path. Other family preference categories have longer wait times.
The Advance Parole Advantage:
TPS holders who entered without inspection and later travel abroad with advance parole may create a lawful admission record upon return. This lawful entry can enable adjustment of status (applying for a green card while in the U.S.) for those with an approved immigrant petition. This strategy requires careful planning and legal guidance.
Employment-Based Immigration:
If you have skills, education, or job offers that qualify for employment-based immigration, your employer may be able to sponsor you for a green card. Categories include EB-1 (priority workers), EB-2 (professionals with advanced degrees), EB-3 (skilled workers), and others.
Asylum or Refugee Status:
Some TPS holders may also qualify for asylum if they can demonstrate persecution based on protected grounds. Successfully obtaining asylum provides a more stable status and a path to permanent residence after one year.
Special Programs:
Depending on circumstances, other programs like U visas (crime victims), T visas (trafficking victims), VAWA (domestic violence survivors), or Special Immigrant Visas may apply.
Important Considerations:
• TPS does not forgive immigration violations
• Unlawful presence may affect green card eligibility
• Some TPS holders face bars to adjustment
• Legal consultation is essential for pathway planning
Our office helps Colton residents understand their options and develop strategies for transitioning from TPS to permanent residence when possible.
Colton Area TPS Services
TPS Application Preparation:
• Initial TPS registration applications
• Re-registration filings
• Document gathering and organization
• Form completion and review
• Filing fee assistance and fee waiver applications
Work Authorization Services:
• EAD applications with TPS
• EAD renewal assistance
• Automatic extension documentation for employers
• Lost or stolen EAD replacement
Travel Document Services:
• Advance parole applications
• Travel planning guidance
• Re-entry documentation preparation
Document Services:
• Arabic to English certified translations
• Document authentication guidance
• Evidence gathering for continuous presence and residence
• Country conditions documentation
Ongoing Support:
• Re-registration deadline monitoring
• Status update notifications
• Case status inquiries
• Address change notifications to USCIS
Specialized Arab Community Services:
Our Arabic-speaking staff understands the unique needs of Syrian, Yemeni, Sudanese, and Somali nationals. We provide culturally sensitive assistance and can communicate with you in your native language. We understand the conditions in your home countries and can help gather appropriate documentation.
Colton Service Area:
While our office is in Garden Grove, we serve clients throughout Southern California, including Colton, San Bernardino, Rialto, Fontana, Ontario, Riverside, and surrounding communities. We offer phone consultations, video meetings, and can receive documents by mail for clients who cannot travel to our office.
Common TPS Questions from Colton Residents
Question: Can I apply for TPS if I entered the United States illegally?
Answer: Yes, manner of entry does not disqualify you from TPS. You must prove you were present in the U.S. on the required date and have maintained continuous residence and physical presence.
Question: What happens if I leave the United States briefly?
Answer: Brief, casual, and innocent departures generally do not break continuous physical presence. However, extended absences or travel without advance parole can affect your status. Consult with us before any international travel.
Question: My TPS country designation might end. What should I do?
Answer: Continue to re-register while TPS is available. Explore other immigration options such as family petitions, employment sponsorship, or asylum. Legal challenges to TPS termination have historically delayed implementation. Do not assume your status will end without staying informed.
Question: Can my children receive TPS?
Answer: Children included in your TPS application receive derivative TPS status. Children born in the United States are U.S. citizens and do not need TPS.
Question: What if my TPS application is denied?
Answer: You can appeal certain denials or request reconsideration. A denial may trigger removal proceedings for some applicants. Seek legal assistance immediately if your TPS application is denied.
Question: How much does TPS cost?
Answer: Filing fees change periodically. As of 2026, Form I-821 and Form I-765 have separate fees totaling several hundred dollars. Fee waivers are available for those who demonstrate financial hardship.
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:What is the current TPS status for Syrian nationals in Colton?
A: Syria TPS is currently extended through 2027. Syrian nationals who were present in the U.S. since the designation date and meet all requirements can maintain or apply for TPS. Re-registration periods are announced on the USCIS website. Contact our office for the most current registration deadlines.
Q:Can Yemen nationals in Colton apply for TPS in 2026?
A: Yes, Yemen is designated for TPS through 2027 due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Yemeni nationals in Colton must demonstrate they were present in the U.S. since the required date and meet all eligibility requirements. Both initial registration and re-registration may be available depending on announced periods.
Q:How long does TPS application processing take for San Bernardino County residents?
A: TPS applications typically take 3-6 months for initial processing. EAD cards may be issued within this timeframe. However, processing times vary based on USCIS workload. Re-registration applicants often receive automatic EAD extensions while their applications are pending.
Q:Can I work in Colton while my TPS application is pending?
A: If you are re-registering and have an automatic EAD extension, you can continue working with proof of the extension. Initial TPS applicants must wait for their EAD to be approved before working. Carry your receipt notice and any automatic extension documentation at all times.
Q:What happens if TPS ends for my country while I live in Colton?
A: If TPS designation terminates, you would lose protected status after the termination date. You should explore other immigration options well in advance, such as family petitions, employment sponsorship, asylum, or other relief. Legal challenges to termination have historically delayed implementation.
Q:Does SoCal Immigration Services help with TPS applications for Colton residents?
A: Yes, we provide comprehensive TPS services for Colton and all of San Bernardino County. Our Arabic-speaking staff assists with initial registrations, re-registrations, EAD applications, advance parole, translations, and document preparation. Call (714) 421-8872 for a consultation.
Need TPS Help in Colton?
Our Arabic-speaking team specializes in TPS applications for Syrian, Yemeni, Sudanese, and Somali nationals. Get expert document preparation and filing assistance.
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