Immigration law blog

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is ending for Honduras!

Temporary protected status (TPS) for citizens of Honduras will be ending on January 5, 2020. It has been estimated that 57,000 people currently have TPS through the program. It is important to note that if you have a work permit, it has been automatically extended until January 1, 2019.  If you need a work permit that goes through January 5, 2020, you should file for it when you re-register for TPS. 

What is the re-registration period for TPS?

The re-registration period goes from June 5, 2018 through August 6, 2018.

What do I need to show my employer my work permit has been extended through January 1, 2019?

Your work permit through TPS with a July 5, 2018 or January 5, 2018 expiration date and a copy of the Federal Register notice announcing the automatic extension.  You can find a copy of it here:  https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2018/06/05/2018-12161/termination-of-the-designation-of-honduras-for-temporary-protected-status

What will happen once my TPS ends?

We are unsure what will happen. There is a risk that you might be put in front of an Immigration judge to decide whether you can continue to stay in the U.S. after that time, or whether you can get a permanent status.   We recommend that you consult with our office to see if you have any options to obtain permanent status in the U.S.

What sorts of things can affect me getting permanent status inside the U.S.?

Many things should be evaluated when looking at your options to see how you may be able to permanently stay inside the U.S. including, but not limited to:

  • Any criminal arrests or criminal cases anywhere in the world;
  • Any prior deportations;
  • Any exits from the U.S. (either with immigration’s permission or without);
  • Whether you have close family members who have legal status in the U.S.;
  • Whether anyone, including family or an employer, has ever filed immigration paperwork for you;
  • Whether you have been the victim of a crime;
  • Why you left your country.

What should I do now that my TPS is ending?

DO NOT WAIT – consult with an immigration lawyer to see if you have any options to be well on your way to permanent status before your TPS expires! The best way to properly evaluate what all your options are is to schedule a consultation and be sure to bring all your work permits, TPS applications, advance parole documents (proof of travel outside of the U.S. with immigration’s permission), dockets and police reports for all your criminal arrests, and any immigration paperwork you may have regarding prior deportations or petitions filed for you.

Please call 206-838-7628 to schedule your consultation to evaluate your case now! 

Lesley Irizarry-Hougan

Lesley has been practicing law since July, 2005. She has significant experience in representing clients in Immigration Court, both detained and non-detained cases; appeals from immigration judge decisions, both at the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals; and the Board of Immigration Appeals. Lesley is actively involved in her community, regularly volunteering at the Latina/o Bar Association Legal Clinic and the King County Bar Association Neighborhood Legal Clinic. Lesley Irizarry-Hougan ha estado practicando exclusivamente leyes de inmigración desde Julio del 2005. Ella tiene experiencia significante representando clientes en la Corte de Inmigración; apelando las decisiones del juez de inmigración, ambos a la Corte de Apelaciones de Estados Unidos para el Noveno Circuito y la Corte de Distrito de Estados Unidos para el Oeste de Washington. Lesley también se especializa en aplicaciones afirmativas, incluyendo aplicaciones para la tarjeta verde (Mica), asilo, NACARA, y aplicaciones de ciudadanía archivado en los Estados Unidos y Servicios de Inmigración. Lesley también hace certificaciones de trabajo, incluyendo aplicaciones de cocineros especializados. Ella habla español nativo.

L.I.H. Law, P.S., Immigration Lawyer, Seattle, WA