Aug. 18, 2015, is the deadline for eligible nationals of Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone to register for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which runs from Nov. 21, 2014 through May 21, 2016. Our prior alert includes detailed information on eligibility and the registration process.

Individuals who are granted TPS benefits cannot be removed from the United States on grounds that the U.S. government has determined that conditions in their home country are unsafe. Individuals holding TPS may make a separate application to obtain an employment authorization document (EAD) to work in the United States, and they obtain travel authorization to travel outside the United States. The granting of TPS does not, however, result in or lead to permanent resident status. Individuals with a criminal background or who pose a threat to national security are not eligible for TPS.