US Temporary Protected Status: 4 Countries Whose Citizens Can Avoid Deportation
The United States has identified four countries whose nationals have benefited from Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a programme that protects eligible individuals from deportation and allows them to work legally in the country.
The countries are El Salvador, Lebanon, Sudan and Ukraine. However, the protection periods and conditions differ for each country.
The programme provides temporary relief to people who cannot safely return to their home countries because of armed conflict, natural disasters or other extraordinary circumstances.
According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), individuals must meet specific requirements to qualify. Being a citizen of one of the designated countries does not automatically grant someone protection.
What is the US Temporary Protected Status programme?
Temporary Protected Status is a humanitarian immigration programme that allows eligible nationals of designated countries to remain in the United States temporarily.
Beneficiaries may also obtain employment authorisation while their protection remains valid.
However, TPS does not automatically grant permanent residency or American citizenship. Beneficiaries must meet the programme’s requirements and comply with applicable registration rules.
The US government periodically reviews country designations and may extend, redesignate or terminate them.
1. El Salvador
El Salvador is among the countries whose nationals have benefited from TPS in the United States.
The programme’s eligibility rules include requirements relating to continuous residence and physical presence in the country.
Under the conditions reported by Legit.ng, eligible Salvadoran nationals had to have lived continuously in the US since February 13, 2001, and been physically present since March 9, 2001.
The report stated that USCIS was yet to announce the next steps for the country’s designation.
Eligible beneficiaries should therefore consult official immigration guidance for updates affecting their registration and employment authorisation.
2. Lebanon
Lebanese nationals are also covered under the US temporary protection programme.
The report stated that Lebanon’s designation received an automatic six-month extension in 2026, extending protection through November 27, 2026.
The reported eligibility requirements include continuous residence in the US since October 16, 2024, and continuous physical presence since November 27, 2024.
However, applicants must meet the applicable requirements and registration conditions to benefit from the programme.
3. Sudan
Sudanese nationals have also received temporary protection because of the security situation in their home country.
According to the report, Sudan’s designation was scheduled to run through October 19, 2026, under an extension announced in January 2025.
The reported eligibility requirements included continuous residence in the US since August 16, 2023, and physical presence since October 20, 2023.
However, the US Department of Homeland Security announced a further temporary reprieve for affected Sudanese nationals as the previous protection period approached its end.
Beneficiaries should consult official announcements to determine how the latest decision affects their individual cases.
4. Ukraine
Ukraine is the fourth country identified in the report.
The country’s designation followed Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, which created dangerous conditions for people living in Ukraine.
TPS has provided eligible Ukrainian nationals in the US with temporary protection from deportation and access to employment authorisation.
The latest developments also indicate that the US government has allowed affected Ukrainian beneficiaries to retain protection while further decisions are pending.
However, the programme does not provide automatic permanent residency, and beneficiaries must follow applicable immigration requirements.
What TPS means for eligible immigrants
Temporary Protected Status offers relief to eligible individuals who cannot safely return to their home countries.
It can protect beneficiaries from deportation and allow them to work legally in the United States while their status remains valid.
However, the programme is temporary. Its availability depends on government decisions, country-specific conditions and individual eligibility.
People who believe they qualify should consult the official USCIS website for current requirements, registration deadlines and announcements affecting their country.