Nepal Designated for Temporary Protected Status

Nepal Designated for Temporary Protected StatusOn June 24, 2015, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced its decision to designate Nepal for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months on the conditions resulting from the devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25, 2015, and the subsequent aftershocks. As a result, eligible nationals of Nepal residing in the United States may apply for TPS with USCIS. USCIS explains that the TPS designation for Nepal is effective today, June 24, 2015, and will be in effect through December 24, 2016. The designation means that, during the designation period, eligible nationals of Nepal (and people without nationality who last habitually resided in Nepal) will not be removed from the United States and may receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The 180-day TPS registration period begins June 24, 2015 and runs through December 21, 2015. According to USCIS, to be eligible for TPS, applicants must demonstrate that they satisfy all eligibility criteria, including that they have been both “continuously physically present” and “continuously residing” in the United States since June 24, 2015. Applicants also undergo thorough security checks. Individuals with certain criminal records or who pose a threat to national security are not eligible for TPS. The eligibility requirements are fully described in the Federal Register notices and on the Nepal TPS webpage. Attorneys at I.S. Law Firm have helped many foreign nationals apply for Temporary Protected Status and obtain employment authorization based on their TPS applications. To learn more about our services and for consultation, please contact us at +1-703-527-1779 or via e-mail: law@islawfirm.com.