Temporary Protected Status (TPS) has offered essential protection and work authorization to thousands of nationals from countries where wars and natural disasters reign. As the political terrain tilts, many TPS holders fret over what will happen if the government rescinds or fails to renew their protections.
That concern is intensified now with news that USCIS will impose tougher screening and vetting of immigrants working in the US. Such adjustments could complicate the lives of TPS holders and people seeking to move to another status. At The Law Office of Olena Manilich, we educate individuals about their rights and help them to find a safe path in immigration.
New USCIS Screening & Vetting Rules
USCIS announced in December that it would reduce the validity of many work permits. Also, it will increase the frequency with which immigrants who work in the U.S. under programs that include TPS are vetted. That means that if you require renewal of your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or if you hope to obtain the document, the government will scrutinize your background more thoroughly — and more frequently.
As a result of these shifts, relying exclusively on TPS is riskier than ever. The extra scrutiny could mean delays in renewals. All that uncertainty leaves many with daunting questions: What if the EAD doesn’t renew on time? And what if the delays cause a lapse in work authorization and income?
With that uncertainty out there, it makes sense to look at long-term solutions for your immigration status now — while you still have TPS. If you need assistance in reviewing how to weigh your choices prior to losing the protection, our team can assess your specific circumstances. Schedule your consultation today. The Law Office of Olena Manilich will help you structure for the future.
Legal Paths to Consider When TPS Ends
Even if TPS is terminated, many people have legal pathways to remain in the United States. One of the most common is through family petitions. If you marry a United States citizen or permanent resident, or if you have a close relative in the United States who may be able to petition for you, you might qualify for a green card.
Another path involves employment-based immigration. Say you work in a niche, whether that’s advanced degrees or technical skills. In this case, you may be eligible for an employment-based visa or green card category. For instance, if a person with an advanced degree and excellent work history can obtain status under EB-2. For someone who has some outstanding achievements, they can simply go for the EB-1.
All of these roads involve precise documentation, adherence to the deadline date, and strategic calls. If you’re unsure which is the right choice for your background, check our immigration services. We can assist in evaluating and selecting the appropriate strategy.
What You Should Do Now
If you currently have TPS or work under an EAD, pull together your key documents first. That includes passports, identification documents, birth certificates, and records of your time in the United States. Also, documentation related to work history, employment credentials, educational background, and any other immigration papers. You’ll also want to keep close tabs on your employment and address history.
Next, think about your personal and family circumstances: Do you have any family members who are entitled to file a family-based petition for you? Do you have a professional background that will qualify you for an employment petition? Might you instead be eligible for a different remedy, such as asylum or humanitarian protection?
When you have all your papers in order and can articulate who you are, contact an immigration attorney to assess whether you are eligible. Early smart legal advice also helps you not to fall into work authorization gaps. It helps reduce the possibility of being out of status when TPS or EAD renewals become complicated.
At The Law Office of Olena Manilich, we assist individuals from Ukraine and other TPS-designated countries in exploring how to pursue these options. We take a careful history, review your paperwork, and advise on the paths that suit you best. You can contact us anytime — we’re ready to help walk you through a change with experience and care.
Conclusion
The new screening and vetting rules by USCIS reinforce a reality. Using TPS or other temporary work authorization is riskier today than in the past. For many immigrants, that unpredictability makes it more important to prepare for a stable, long-term immigration status. Family-based immigration, employment-based petitions, and other legal pathways are still available. You just need the right advice to help you navigate that path correctly.
If you fear what life will look like without TPS, then do not wait. Set up a consultation with The Law Office of Olena Manilich. We walk you through your options, prepare filing tactics, and ensure that you do not get into trouble with the law.
