Gracie Johnson Law – Immigration Attorneys

Gracie Johnson Law · Compton, CA

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Attorney in Los Angeles

Bilingual TPS attorney serving South LA, Compton, East LA, Huntington Park, and the surrounding communities. Re-registration, EAD renewals, and green card pathways for TPS holders. Call (310) 554-4630.

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CA Bar #276536 VerifiedCertified Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law, State Bar of CaliforniaLicensed CA attorney, not a notario

Reviewed by Gracie Johnson, Certified Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law, State Bar of California, California State Bar #276536

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a legal immigration status granted by the US government to nationals of certain countries affected by armed conflict, natural disasters, or other serious conditions. TPS gives you the right to live and work in the United States legally while your country's designation is in effect.

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Common Questions

Who Has TPS? Designated Countries

El Salvador (TPS since 2001)
Honduras (TPS since 1999)
Haiti (TPS since 2010)
Guatemala (TPS since 2023)
Venezuela (TPS since 2021)
Ukraine (TPS since 2022)
Nicaragua (TPS since 1999)

This list reflects countries designated as of June 2026. USCIS may add or remove countries. Contact us for the most current information.

What TPS Gives You

  • Protection from removal and deportation while TPS is valid
  • Employment Authorization Document (EAD / work permit)
  • Ability to apply for travel authorization (advance parole)
  • In some cases, a pathway to adjust status or apply for a green card

TPS Re-Registration: Do Not Miss the Window

USCIS announces re-registration periods for each TPS country. Missing the window can cause your work permit to lapse, making you ineligible to work legally until re-registration is processed. We track re-registration windows and file timely renewals for our TPS clients.

Can a TPS Holder Get a Green Card?

In California, under Ninth Circuit case law, some TPS holders who are immediate relatives of US citizens may be able to adjust their status to lawful permanent resident (green card) without leaving the United States. This is a significant legal development that affects many South LA families.

Whether this pathway applies depends on your individual circumstances, including how you entered the US, your family relationships, and your immigration history. The only way to know if you qualify is to speak with an experienced immigration attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions About TPS

TPS is a temporary immigration status granted by the US government to nationals of designated countries affected by ongoing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. TPS holders can live and work legally in the United States while their country's designation is active.

USCIS periodically announces re-registration periods for each TPS country. During those windows, you must file Form I-821 (Application for TPS) and Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) to renew your status and work permit. Missing the window can cause gaps in work authorization. We track these deadlines for our clients.

In some cases, yes. If a TPS holder is an immediate relative of a US citizen (spouse, unmarried child under 21, or parent of a US citizen over 21), they may be able to adjust status to lawful permanent resident without leaving the US. The Ninth Circuit, which covers California, has favorable case law on this. An attorney evaluation is essential.

If TPS is terminated, holders generally revert to whatever immigration status they had before TPS. For many people, that means they would be undocumented. We advise TPS holders to explore parallel immigration pathways now, before any termination, so there is a plan in place.

Late registration is permitted in limited circumstances. If you missed a re-registration window, contact us immediately at (310) 554-4630. The sooner you act, the more options are available.

TPS holders can apply for advance parole (travel authorization) using Form I-131. If approved, you can travel internationally and return to the US. However, traveling without advance parole while in TPS status can result in losing your TPS and being barred from re-entry. Always consult with an attorney before traveling.

Last updated: June 2026. This page is reviewed regularly by Attorney Gracie Johnson, California State Bar #276536. TPS regulations change frequently; contact our office for the most current information.

Questions About Your TPS?

Schedule a confidential consultation with Attorney Gracie Johnson.

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Call Us Directly

(310) 554-4630

308 N Wilmington Ave
Compton, CA 90220