This sponsored column is by Law Office of James Montana PLLC. All questions about it should be directed to James Montana, Esq. and Janice Chen, Esq., practicing attorneys at The Law Office of James Montana PLLC, an immigration-focused law firm located in Falls Church, Virginia. The legal information given here is general in nature. If you want legal advice, contact us for an appointment.
On October 17, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security announced that Lebanon has been designated for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months. These supplements — and, for most, will supersede — the previous grant of Deferred Enforced Departure for Lebanon.
The Northern Virginia suburbs have a substantial Lebanese population, so this is big news. We’re here to explain what it means. Our main goal here is practical: to prevent people from paying lawyers until the application window opens, and help people to prepare their paperwork for when it does. If you’re curious about our editorial opinions, ask away in the comments.
First, a quick explainer on what TPS is, and how it works.
Temporary Protected Status, in theory, is a temporary measure meant to alleviate suffering in a country suffering from war or natural disaster. The U.S. Code permits the Attorney General (or, in modern practice, the Secretary of Homeland Security) to ‘designate’ countries which meet this description, and then provide temporary work permits, and temporary deportation protection, to nationals of the designated country who are in the United States on the date of the designation.
The process of applying for TPS is relatively simple. The applicant submits two applications: an application for TPS status on Form I-821, and, usually, an application for employment authorization on Form I-765. Fees vary depending on age. The Secretary of Homeland Security sets an ‘initial registration’ period for applicants, and then, if TPS is renewed, a ‘re-registration period.’ Miss these registration windows at your peril.
If you’re from Lebanon, living in the United States, and want to apply for TPS, here’s what you need to know:
- TPS is temporary. Sometimes — rarely — TPS designation ends. (We covered the attempt to end TPS-El Salvador in these pages. So, although TPS is a good thing, it is a bad substitute for permanent status. If you have an asylum claim, don’t let it drop just because you have the ability to apply for TPS!
- In most instances, TPS is superior to Deferred Enforced Departure. Those who have Deferred Enforced Departure (as attested by employment authorization documents) should still plan to apply for TPS, if they qualify.
- The TPS application period for Lebanon has not opened up yet. If a lawyer, an unethical ‘visa consultant,’ or ‘tax preparer’ (applicable soundtrack) offers to apply for you, do not pay them. TPS designation is a great benefit, but it also creates opportunities for scammers.
- Start gathering your documents. Your lawyer will want to see your Lebanese passport or your birth certificate, plus evidence that you have been physically present in the United States on or about October 16, 2024. Evidence of physical presence includes:
- Your 2024 tax returns (file them next year!)
- Employment records, if you have them.
- Rent receipts
- School records for you or your children
- Medical records concerning treatment for you or your children
- Religious records describing your attendance at a place of worship
- Other documentary evidence which shows that you live here. Your lawyer can help you find more.
- Put money aside. You can expect USCIS to charge up to $600 for your initial application.
- Make a plan. Find a trusted place to apply for TPS after the initial registration period opens.
Once the application windows opens, our law firm will be delighted to help Lebanese nationals who want to apply for TPS. You can call us at 888-389-8655, or make an appointment via Calendly, here. But we know that, with tens of thousands of Lebanese nationals in Northern Virginia, handling all of these cases is going to be a team effort. In that spirit, here are two other trustworthy local partners for Lebanese nationals who need help applying for TPS.
Just Neighbors has a wonderful program that focuses on immigrants who make 200% or less than the amount prescribed by the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For information on how to get help from them, see here.
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington — Hogar Immigrant Services
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington is an excellent non-profit legal services center. They can handle your TPS application for a modest fee, and they’re wonderful people.
As always, we are grateful for your questions and comments, and will do our best to respond.
