Fact Sheet: Temporary Protected Status for Nigeria
Over 100 local, state, and national organizations led by the Nigerian Center in Washington, D.C. are calling on President Biden and Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to grant immediate designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Nigeria, and Special Student Relief (SSR) for Nigeria. TPS protects noncitizens in the United States, including undocumented immigrants, who cannot safely return to their home country. TPS designations are particularly critical to Black immigrants who may slip through cracks in the asylum system. The coalition is asking concerned Americans to contact their elected official to support the designation for Nigeria.
What is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?
TPS is granted by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to eligible foreign-born individuals who are unable to return home safely due to conditions or circumstances preventing their return to their home country. During the designated TPS period, TPS holders are not removable from the United States and not detainable by DHS based on their immigration status. TPS holders are eligible for an employment authorization document (EAD), and eligible for travel authorization.
What is DED?
Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) allows certain individuals from designated countries and regions facing political or civic conflict or natural disasters to stay in the United States. Eligibility requirements for Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) are based on the terms the president specifies in each DED directive. Each presidential directive includes the criteria for an individual to be covered by DED and certain exceptions for individuals who are not covered.
What is SSR?
Special Student Relief (SSR) is the suspension of certain regulatory requirements by the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for an Fâ1 student from parts of the world that are experiencing emergent circumstances. Regulatory requirements that may be suspended or altered for an F-1 student include duration of status, full course of study, and off-campus employment eligibility.
Is TPS status given automatically?
No, TPS is not automatic. People must apply, pay a filing fee, and pass immigration screening. The application process can be complicated, and we recommend contacting a licensed immigration attorney. The Federal Register notice will provide instructions for applying for TPS. TPS applicants must meet all eligibility requirements and undergo security and background checks.
What does the designation of TPS for Nigeria mean?
This new designation enables Nigerian nationals and individuals without United States nationality who last resided in Nigeria who have continuously resided in the United States, to file initial applications for TPS.
How long will eligible individuals have protection under TPS?
TPS for an 18-month period, designated countries are able to apply for renewal based on eligibility.
How can you help?
To help with this effort contact your Congressional members office requesting they take the lead or support the TPS for Nigeria campaign.
Get Help
As the first immigrant and cultural center that serves the Nigerian American community, as well as other immigrant populations in the United States. We provide free to low-income immigration services, this includes a free walk-in immigration clinic. Individuals needing immigration assistance should contact the Nigerian Center online or call 202-330-0352.