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Beginning on February 24, 2022, Russia initiated a military invasion of Ukraine. In the following days and weeks, thousands of Ukrainian residents and nationals fled the violence and the country altogether. Other challenges also arose for individuals currently in the United States who were facing potential deportation back to Ukraine.
In response to this humanitarian crisis, the United States has opened Temporary Protected Status—more commonly known as TPS—to many residents of Ukraine. This status allows individuals to remain in the United States without fear of extradition to a war-torn country. A compassionate immigration attorney could help you understand what this status means for you or your loved ones. Reach out to our team today about Doraville immigration for Ukrainian applicants.
The Immigration Act of 1990 established TPS. Over the years, this status has been granted to residents of countless countries involved in warfare, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary conditions that make returning to that country dangerous.
When a person takes advantage of TPS status, they are not given a green card or granted citizenship in the United States. Instead, they are extended certain temporary rights to remain in the country and avoid deportation.
The hold on deportation is only one way that this status protects Ukrainians living in the United States. TPS also extends work privileges to those same individuals. While the protection does have an end date set by the federal government, extensions of 6, 12, and 18 months are common.
On March 3, 2022, the United States designated Ukraine for TPS status. However, it is important to note that this status will only apply to specific individuals. To qualify for TPS, a person must either be a Ukrainian national or be stateless and habitually reside there.
Additionally, this protection only applies to individuals in the United States when TPS was designated to Ukraine, and these individuals must have remained here continuously from that point forward.
There are other qualifications to consider, such as not having a felony or two misdemeanor convictions on a criminal record. Finally, an individual cannot be banned from asylum status based on previous behavior. A detail-oriented attorney in Doraville could help a Ukrainian applicant consider whether they are eligible for this important immigration status.
The unfortunate reality for many Ukrainian applicants is that immigration delays are mounting. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the rate of visa applications from Ukraine has increased dramatically since the invasion, and this trend is likely to continue.
Given these delays, it is imperative to avoid any errors that could jeopardize a visa application. One mistake could hold up the process or even result in a denial. Given the high stakes, Ukrainian immigrants should consider taking their application to a dedicated lawyer.
If you or a Ukrainian family member are seeking legal status in the United States, TPS might protect you from deportation. This status conveys the right to work in the U.S. temporarily and will prevent any deportation and removal for as long as it is active. Reach out to our lawyers today about Doraville immigration for Ukrainian applicants.