Temporary Protected Status Announced for Ukrainians

Last week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the designation of Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. A country may be designated for TPS when conditions in the country fall into one or more of the three statutory bases for designation:

  • ongoing armed conflict,
  • environmental disasters, or
  • extraordinary and temporary conditions.

According to the DHS press release,

This designation is based on both ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Ukraine that prevent Ukrainian nationals, and those of no nationality who last habitually resided in Ukraine, from returning to Ukraine safely.

Secretary Mayorkas designates ukraine for temporary protected status for 18 months

Who is eligible to apply?

In order to qualify for TPS from Ukraine, an individual must:

  • Be a national of Ukraine (or if stateless, have last habitually resided in Ukraine);
  • Be continuously physically present in the United States since March 1, 2022;
  • Have continuously resided in the United States since March 1, 2022;
  • Not have been convicted of a felony or two or more misdemeanors committed in the United States; and
  • Not be barred from asylum for persecuting an individual, inciting terrorist activity, or other violations; or be found inadmissible under immigration rules for other criminal or national security reasons.

How do you apply for TPS and what do you receive?

TPS is not automatic. Individuals must submit an application to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) with a filing fee and required proof. USCIS has not yet announced the application procedures for TPS from Ukraine but you can have a look at USCIS’ TPS page to get an idea what they might require based on what they require for TPS from other countries.

An individual’s immigration status at the time of application for TPS has no effect on their eligibility, nor does the previous issuance of an order of removal. If USCIS grants TPS to an individual, that person receives a temporary stay of deportation and temporary authorization to work in the United States. TPS beneficiaries are also eligible for advance parole, which provides permission to travel abroad and return to the United States, but they must apply for it separately. TPS beneficiaries are not eligible for any public assistance in the United States.

According to the American Immigration Council, there are approximately 34,000 people in the United States now who are eligible for TPS from Ukraine so this designation of TPS will help a lot of people.

I will post the application procedures when USCIS publishes them. In the meantime, if you have any questions or wish to look into other immigration options, please feel free to contact me.

San Francisco Social Security Disability & Immigration Law Firm

The Law Office of Geri N. Kahn assists San Francisco Bay Area residents with immigration and Social Security disability cases.
Immigration and Nationality Law icon

Immigration and Nationality Law

Finding the right immigration law attorney isn’t always easy. Whether you are facing deportation, need a visa or are seeking political asylum, we can help.
Social Security Disability Law Icon

Social Security Disability Law

Getting approved for Social Security disability benefits can be difficult. With denials on the rise, having an experienced SSDI attorney can be the difference

Our Legal Clients Love Us – Here’s What They Have To Say

Bright Future
★★★★★
“ “As single woman, I arrived in the United States with my two young sons in 1998. In 2001 a friend of mine referred me to Attorney Kahn. I was seeking asylum from India. She won my case and I was able to raise my sons as a single parent in the United States. It is now May 2013 and my oldest son just attended his citizenship oath ceremony and my youngest son and myself are attending our ceremonies in June. Both of my sons have now graduated High School and have a bright future in the United States. From day one, Geri listened to me. She understood how I felt and she never treated me like just another client. She cared about what happened to me and my sons future. Throughout my case she remained in constant contact with, returned all of my calls, and more recently prepared my family for our citizenship interviews. If you want an attorney that you can trust and who really cares about outcome of your case she is the person to go to.””
– Phiroza

Kept Me Informed
★★★★★
“ "I had a Social Security Disability case at the federal level. I had an attorney who could not handle the case. That attorney referred me to Geri. She told me Geri would be able to approach Federal cases better. I was really worried that I would be denied again. I had a bad attorney before, and I was worried to lose the case. However, I was satisfied with Geri because she was able to approach the hearing well, and she spoke well about my conditions. She was detailed in explaining how I could not work. It was wonderful because Geri would always keep me informed. She would help me with the situation, explain everything to me and my husband, and she was able to answer my questions and concerns. Geri went to the hearing, and I did not have to go. But during that time, I was really worried and anxious. After the hearing, my husband and I received detailed information from Geri as to what happened in the hearing. If I had a friend who needed a SS attorney, I would refer her to Geri because she is very thorough, helpful and understanding. Geri was very helpful; she helped me with the situation. My husband and I were very happy with the firm and hearing."”
– Sandra

Extremely Kind and Passionate
★★★★★
“ "Geri N. Kahn and her team are extremely kind and passionate. This was a very difficult journey to take. It wasn’t that I wanted social security disability benefits; the fact was that I needed SSDI to live. When I initially applied to SSA, I was told that I would receive my benefits once my state disability ran out. But for some reason, SSA flipped that decision and denied it. They said I did not qualify. After this, I knew I needed help with my case, and I sought help from Geri. I am very grateful to her and her team. I am especially appreciative towards Toni, the legal assistant, for answering all of my questions/concerns. Ultimately, I am thankful for all of their support, organization, and knowledge. Geri N. Kahn has expertise and the “know-how” when presenting the facts of your case, if you unfortunately have one. The fact is trust in their logo with the golden horse jumping over the obstacle."”
– Marianne
Read More Reviews

Latest News From Our Law Firm Blog

Notebook to prepare for Social Security Disability Hearing

How to Get a Faster Social Security Disability Hearing

At the Law Office of Geri N. Kahn we have been helping clients get faster social security disability hearings for more than 30 years. Today we are going to share some tips with you that may help you expedite your case. It is a long wait to apply and receive

Using a phone to complete the application

It is now easier to apply for SSI

It has been difficult in the past to apply for SSI because you had to call the field office or the 1-800 customer service number to start the process. It was difficult to get ahold of anyone and thus people gave up or applied later than they would have. To

Read More Blogs

Geri Kahn © Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved.

Website Designed By
Rocks Digital Marketing

The Law Office of Geri N. Kahn developed this website to provide you with general information in the area of immigration and Social Security law. The information presented on this website should not be construed to be formal legal advice or the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.