Ukrainian and Sudanese TPS holders keep protections for now as USCIS delays decision
The Floridant/10352017

TEMPLE TERRACE, Fla. - Floridant -- TAMPA, Fla. — Temporary Protected Status holders from Ukraine and Sudan, including those living in Florida, keep their protections for now. Their status was set to expire Oct. 19, but the federal government let that date pass without announcing a final decision.

Instead of publishing an extension or termination, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services posted short alerts on its website. The alerts said an announcement would be made "at the appropriate time" and that beneficiaries keep their protections in the meantime, according to an Oct. 23 policy bulletin from the National Immigration Forum.

USCIS took the same approach in September with Salvadoran TPS holders. In each case, the agency continued protection without saying how long it would last or setting a deadline for a final decision.

Temporary Protected Status allows eligible people from designated countries to live and work legally in the United States while conditions at home prevent a safe return. The latest alerts keep beneficiaries' legal protections in place. However, they leave practical questions open, including how long the protections will last and when a final decision will come.

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For TPS holders in the Tampa Bay area and across Florida, the open-ended status makes it especially important to stay informed and keep records organized.

"If you hold TPS from Ukraine, Sudan or El Salvador, the most important thing right now is to stay calm and stay informed," said Ahmad Yakzan, immigration attorney and founder of American Dream Law Office PLLC. "Check the USCIS website regularly for official updates, keep copies of your approval notices, work permits and any USCIS alerts that apply to you, and be cautious of anyone who claims to know the outcome before the government announces it. Every situation is different, so if you have questions about your work authorization, travel or other options, speak with a licensed immigration attorney before making any decisions."

TPS holders with questions about how the alerts affect their jobs, travel plans or eligibility for other forms of relief may want to review their circumstances with a licensed attorney. Information about TPS designations is available on the USCIS website.

American Dream Law Office PLLC is an immigration law firm based in Temple Terrace, Florida, serving clients throughout the Tampa Bay area and across the United States. To schedule a consultation, call (656) 236-0205 or visit americandreamlawoffice.com.