Important U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Information for Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals who immigrate to the United States from countries in turmoil may be eligible for special immigration protections. These protections include refugee status, temporary protected status, deferred enforced departure, and other special requests. ADC recently filed a request for Deferred Enforcement Departure for Egyptian Nationals. Below is a brief summary of some important immigration information for foreign nationals.
Refugee and Asylum:
Refugee status or asylum may be granted to people who have been persecuted or fear they will be persecuted on account of race, religion, nationality, and/or membership in a particular social group or political opinion. For more information on asylum or refugee status click here.
Deferred Enforced Departure:
Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) allows qualified individuals to remain in the United States for limited periods of time according to a presidential directive. DED is not an immigration status. During the period ordered by the President, qualified individuals under DED generally may also apply for work authorization. • Currently, Liberia is the only country that is covered under DED (through September 30, 2014). For more information on DED click here.
Temporary Protected Status:
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a temporary immigration benefit that allows qualified individuals from designated countries (or parts of those countries) who are in the United States to stay here for a limited time period. A country may be designated for TPS by the Secretary of Homeland Security based on certain conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the country’s nationals from being able to return safely, or in certain circumstances, the country’s government from being able to handle their return adequately. A TPS country designation may be based on on-going armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions in the country. • Countries currently designated for TPS include Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, and Syria. For more information on TPS click here.
Special Situations for Foreign Nations Impacted by Civil Unrest or Natural Disasters in Their Home Country: The following other requests are available to available to people affected by natural catastrophes and other extreme situations:
- Extensions & Changes of Status
- Fee Waiver
- Employment Authorization
- Document Replacement
For more information, visit the USCIS Special Situations Web Page by clicking here.