Yemeni TPS in National City: Temporary Protected Status for War-Affected Families
Complete guide to Temporary Protected Status benefits for Yemeni nationals in South San Diego
Quick Answer
Yemeni nationals in National City may qualify for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) due to ongoing armed conflict in Yemen. TPS provides work authorization, protection from deportation, and ability to remain legally in the United States until conditions improve in Yemen.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
National City's Yemeni community faces unique challenges navigating the TPS system. SoCal Immigration Services provides Arabic-speaking assistance to help Yemeni families in the South San Diego area understand their eligibility, maintain their protected status, and obtain work authorization while Yemen remains under TPS designation.
Understanding TPS for Yemen
Yemen has been designated for TPS since September 2015 due to the ongoing civil war and humanitarian crisis. The designation has been repeatedly extended as conditions in Yemen continue to deteriorate.
TPS provides three key benefits:
• Protection from removal (deportation)
• Authorization to work legally in the United States
• Ability to obtain travel authorization (in some cases)
Who Qualifies for Yemen TPS in National City?
- •Be a national of Yemen (or a person with no nationality who last habitually resided in Yemen)
- •Have been continuously physically present in the U.S. since the required date (varies by registration period)
- •Have been continuously residing in the U.S. since the required date
- •File during an open registration or re-registration period
- •Not have been convicted of certain crimes
- •Not be subject to bars to asylum
- •Pay required filing fees or qualify for fee waiver
Current Yemen TPS Designation Status
| Date Type | Current Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Designation Extension | Through March 2026 | Check USCIS for latest updates |
| Re-registration Period | Varies by extension | Must file during open window |
| Continuous Presence Date | Original designation date | Must have been present since |
| Continuous Residence Date | Original designation date | Must have resided since |
| EAD Validity | Up to 18 months | Auto-extended during designation |
TPS Benefits for Yemeni Families
- •Deportation Protection: Cannot be removed from the U.S. while TPS is valid
- •Employment Authorization: Legal right to work with EAD card
- •Driver's License Eligibility: Can obtain California driver's license
- •Social Security Number: Eligible for unrestricted SSN for work
- •Travel Authorization: May apply for Advance Parole to travel abroad (with risks)
- •Protection from Detention: Generally protected from immigration detention
- •State Benefits: May qualify for certain California state benefits
- •No Public Charge: TPS use does not trigger public charge ground
How to Apply for Yemen TPS
- 1Determine Eligibility
Verify you meet continuous presence and residence requirements. Gather evidence of your Yemeni nationality and U.S. presence.
- 2File Form I-821 (TPS Application)
Complete the main TPS application. Include evidence of nationality, residence, and presence in the U.S.
- 3File Form I-765 (Work Permit)
Submit employment authorization application. Can be filed simultaneously with I-821.
- 4Submit Required Documents
Include passport, birth certificate, proof of residence, identity photos, and any required translations.
- 5Pay Fees or Request Waiver
I-821 costs $50, I-765 costs $410, plus biometrics if required. Fee waivers available for those who qualify.
- 6Attend Biometrics Appointment
Fingerprinting at local Application Support Center (usually San Diego for National City residents).
- 7Receive Decision
If approved, receive TPS approval notice and EAD card. Keep documents safe and track expiration dates.
Re-Registration Requirements
Timely Re-Registration: USCIS announces re-registration periods for each TPS extension. Missing the deadline can result in losing TPS status.
Required Forms:
• Form I-821 (re-registration)
• Form I-765 (EAD renewal)
• Biometrics (if required)
Automatic EAD Extension: During re-registration periods, USCIS typically auto-extends existing EADs. Check Federal Register notices for current auto-extension guidance.
For National City Yemeni families, we recommend setting calendar reminders 60 days before any re-registration deadline.
Documents Needed for TPS Application
- •Yemeni passport (current or expired) - primary proof of nationality
- •Yemeni birth certificate with certified translation
- •Evidence of entry into the U.S. (I-94, passport stamps, visa)
- •Proof of continuous residence (rent receipts, utility bills, bank statements)
- •Proof of continuous presence (employment records, school records, medical records)
- •Two passport-style photos (USCIS specifications)
- •Any previous immigration documents (visa approvals, prior TPS, etc.)
- •Police clearances if previously arrested (regardless of outcome)
- •Court documents for any criminal history
- •Fee payment or fee waiver request (Form I-912)
Traveling with Yemen TPS
Advance Parole Required: You need prior authorization to travel. File Form I-131 and wait for approval before departing.
Risks of Travel:
• If you travel to Yemen, TPS may terminate (returning to designated country)
• Re-entry can be complicated even with valid Advance Parole
• CBP has discretion to deny re-entry
• Travel to third countries is generally safer than Yemen
Emergency Travel: For genuine emergencies (death of immediate family member), expedited Advance Parole may be available.
Recommendation: For National City Yemeni families, we generally advise against international travel while on TPS unless absolutely necessary.
TPS vs. Asylum: Which is Better?
| Factor | TPS | Asylum |
|---|---|---|
| Protection Type | Temporary (depends on designation) | Permanent (if approved) |
| Work Authorization | Automatic with approval | After filing (with wait) |
| Path to Green Card | No direct path | Yes, after 1 year |
| Family Inclusion | Each person files separately | Spouse and children included |
| Travel | Risky, needs Advance Parole | Refugee Travel Document |
| Application Complexity | Relatively straightforward | Requires proving persecution |
Common TPS Mistakes to Avoid
- •Missing re-registration deadlines - mark your calendar well in advance
- •Traveling without Advance Parole approval
- •Failing to update address with USCIS (use Form AR-11)
- •Not maintaining continuous residence and presence
- •Criminal activity that creates bars to TPS
- •Losing documentation - keep copies of everything
- •Assuming TPS automatically leads to green card (it does not)
- •Not filing for EAD renewal with TPS re-registration
- •Ignoring USCIS notices or interview requests
- •Working with expired EAD (even if auto-extended, verify)
What Happens When TPS Ends?
Possible Outcomes:
• Return to lawful status they had before TPS
• Apply for other immigration benefits if eligible (asylum, family visa, etc.)
• Face potential removal if no other status available
Planning Ahead: National City Yemeni families should explore all options while TPS is active:
• Marriage to U.S. citizen (spouse visa)
• Family petition if eligible relatives exist
• Employment-based options if qualifying
• Asylum if persecution grounds exist
Our team helps TPS holders explore all available pathways.
Why Choose SoCal Immigration Services
- •Arabic-speaking staff who understand Yemeni culture and circumstances
- •Experience with TPS applications and re-registrations since 2015
- •Help gathering documentation when records are difficult to obtain
- •Fee waiver assistance for qualifying families
- •Deadline tracking and re-registration reminders
- •Exploring alternative immigration pathways
- •Assistance with EAD renewals and travel documents
- •Serving South San Diego including National City, Chula Vista, and San Diego
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:How long does Yemen TPS last?
A: TPS designation is temporary and extended by the government in 6-18 month increments. Yemen has been designated since 2015 and continues to be extended. You must re-register during each extension period to maintain status.
Q:Can I get a green card through TPS?
A: TPS itself does not provide a path to green card. However, TPS holders can pursue green cards through other means: marriage to U.S. citizen, family petition, employment sponsorship, or asylum if eligible. TPS allows you to remain legally while exploring these options.
Q:What if I entered the U.S. without inspection?
A: You may still qualify for TPS even if you entered without inspection (EWI). However, if TPS ends, the EWI entry could affect future immigration options. Consult with our team about your specific situation.
Q:Can my family get TPS too?
A: Each family member must file their own TPS application. There are no derivative TPS benefits like asylum. Spouse and children must each meet the eligibility requirements independently and file separately.
Q:How much does TPS cost?
A: Form I-821 (TPS) costs $50. Form I-765 (EAD) costs $410. Biometrics fee may be $85 if required. Total is typically $545, but fee waivers (Form I-912) are available for those who demonstrate inability to pay.
Q:What happens if I miss the re-registration deadline?
A: Missing the re-registration deadline can result in losing TPS status. USCIS sometimes accepts late filings with a valid explanation. Contact us immediately if you're approaching or past a deadline - timing is critical.
Need Help with Yemen TPS in National City?
Our Arabic-speaking team understands the challenges Yemeni families face. Let us help you maintain your protected status and explore your options.
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