Overview
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) are key discretionary humanitarian mechanisms that protect foreign nationals from deportation while granting work authorization. TPS safeguards nationals of countries experiencing armed conflict or natural disasters, while DACA protects young individuals brought to the U.S. as children.
Requirements
TPS — a designated country
TPS applicants must be nationals of a country officially designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security due to ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or extraordinary conditions.
TPS — registration, presence and background checks
Applicants must register during designated filing windows, demonstrate continuous physical presence and residence in the U.S. since the specified effective date, and pass criminal background checks.
DACA — renewal criteria
DACA renewal applicants must demonstrate continuous residence in the U.S., maintain clean criminal records (no felonies or significant misdemeanors), and hold valid prior DACA grants.
Key benefits
- Immediate protection against deportation and removal.
- Grants official Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) permitting legal work nationwide.
- Allows advance parole travel authorization for approved educational, employment, or humanitarian trips.
- Maintains legal presence while broader immigration options or green card pathways are pursued.