The U.S. Department of Homeland Security today announced the extension of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for El Salvador. Individuals from this country will be able to remain under the protection of the program for another 18 months from September 10, 2010 through March 9, 2012. In addition, the validity of these work permits under TPS that expire on September 9 of this year have been automatically extended until March 9, 2011.
The re-registration period begins tomorrow, July 9, 2010 and will end on September 7, 2010. Salvadorans currently enrolled in TPS must re-enroll in the program to continue under its protection.
Salvadorans never before registered for TPS may be eligible for late registration if they meet the proper requirements.
TPS is a temporary immigration status. It is granted to persons who cannot return to their home countries because their lives would be in danger due to an ongoing armed conflict, environmental catastrophe or other extraordinary and temporary conditions. Individuals enrolled in TPS may remain in the United States and obtain employment authorization during the period of their home country's designation.
I remind you that TPS does not lead to permanent residence in the United States. Once the program ends, beneficiaries return to the same immigration status they had before TPS (unless that status has expired or been revoked), or to any other status they may have acquired while enrolled in TPS.
Please consult with an immigration attorney to evaluate your immigration situation as soon as possible and discuss whether there is any other recourse to obtain permanent residency.