Immigration law blog

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) announced for Sierra Leone

On November 21, 2015, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced the designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of Sierra Leone.

What is TPS?

TPS is a temporary legal status granted to citizens and nationals of certain countries affected by certain humanitarian crises, such as civil war or natural disaster. Individuals eligible for TPS are granted permission to remain in the United States for a certain period of time and are granted employment authorization.

Who is eligible for TPS from Sierra Leone?

 To qualify, you must 1) be a national of Sierra Leone, 2) have continuously resided in the United States since November 20, 2014, 3) have been continuously physically present in the United States since November 21, 2014, and 4) have not have been convicted of certain crimes. If you have any criminal history in the United States, it is recommended that you consult with an immigration attorney before filing an application.  

When should I apply?

If you are eligible, you must apply within the registration period, which runs from November 21, 2014 through May 20, 2015.  

How long will my status last?

Eligible individuals will be granted TPS until May 21, 2016. There is the possibility of renewal if the government chooses to re-designate Sierra Leone for TPS in 2016.

For more information on TPS for nationals of Sierra Leone nationals, please see: http://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status-deferred-enforced-departure/temporary-protected-status-designated-country-sierra-leone


Contact our law office at (206) 838-7628 to set up a low-cost immigration consultation to see if you qualify. 


ABOUT L.I.H. LAW  - IMMIGRATION LAWYERS

L.I.H. Law is a trusted immigration law firm with our office conveniently located in Seattle, near the Seattle Space Needle (2nd Ave and Denny Way).

Our well-respected lawyers exclusively practice immigration law, covering diverse topics: asylum, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA), detention cases, fiancé visas (K-1 visas), green cards, immigration status for victims of domestic violence or other crimes, naturalization applications, and much more.

The immigration lawyers and professional staff at L.I.H. Law are dedicated to providing the right solutions to meet our clients’ immigration needs.  Our entire staff is fluent in Spanish and has served clientele from around the world.

Supporting our local immigration community is important to us. Our immigration lawyers and staff are active in volunteering for various community events and organizations, and conducting pro-bono work.

Lesley Irizarry-Hougan

Lesley has been practicing law since July, 2005. She has significant experience in representing clients in Immigration Court, both detained and non-detained cases; appeals from immigration judge decisions, both at the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals; and the Board of Immigration Appeals. Lesley is actively involved in her community, regularly volunteering at the Latina/o Bar Association Legal Clinic and the King County Bar Association Neighborhood Legal Clinic. Lesley Irizarry-Hougan ha estado practicando exclusivamente leyes de inmigración desde Julio del 2005. Ella tiene experiencia significante representando clientes en la Corte de Inmigración; apelando las decisiones del juez de inmigración, ambos a la Corte de Apelaciones de Estados Unidos para el Noveno Circuito y la Corte de Distrito de Estados Unidos para el Oeste de Washington. Lesley también se especializa en aplicaciones afirmativas, incluyendo aplicaciones para la tarjeta verde (Mica), asilo, NACARA, y aplicaciones de ciudadanía archivado en los Estados Unidos y Servicios de Inmigración. Lesley también hace certificaciones de trabajo, incluyendo aplicaciones de cocineros especializados. Ella habla español nativo.

L.I.H. Law, P.S., Immigration Lawyer, Seattle, WA