Countries Currently Designated Under US Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Program

Country Originally Granted Termination Date Approx. Number of People Affected Reason for TPS Designation Burundi November 4, 1997 November 2, 2004 30 Armed conflict El Salvador March 9, 2001 March 9, 2005 29,000 Earthquakes Honduras January 5, 1999 January 5, 2005 87,000 Severe flooding and mudslides Liberia March 27, 1991 October 1, 2004 2,700 Armed conflict Montserrat August 28, 1997 August 27, 2004 325 Volcanic eruptions Nicaragua January 5, 1999 January 5, 2005 6,000 Severe flooding and mudslides Sierra Leone November 4, 1997 May 3, 2004* 2,700 Armed conflict Somalia September 16, 1991 September 17, 2004 350 Civil strife Sudan November 4, 1997 November 2, 2004 525 Civil war * TPS for Sierra Leone has been terminated, effective May 3, 2004. Source: Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security

Temporary Protected Status The Immigration Act of 1990 (IMMACT) established the category of temporary protected status (TPS) to be designated by the US attorney general for the temporary immigration status of eligible individuals. Since the creation of the Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003 authority over TPS designation and assessment has been transferred to the secretary of homeland security. TPS applies to those foreign nationals residing in the US whose nations are facing or recuperating from devastating natural disasters, internal conflict, or other exceptional conditions. TPS temporarily defers removal (deportation) and provides employment verification for these individuals. Before the end of the designation period, conditions in the given country are reviewed and an extension or termination is determined. Once TPS has been terminated, the affected nationals must either acquire another immigration status or return to their home country. TPS currently affects nine countries and approximately 130,000 individuals. Last revised October 1, 2003