TPS — Temporary Protected Status
A temporary immigration status granted to nationals of designated countries experiencing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary conditions that prevent safe return. TPS provides protection from removal and eligibility for employment authorization for the duration of the designation.
Requirements
Must be a national of a TPS-designated country, must have been continuously physically present in the U.S. since the effective date of the designation, and must file within the registration period. Certain criminal convictions may bar eligibility.
Who It's For
Nationals of TPS-designated countries who are currently in the United States and cannot safely return to their home country.
Asylum — Asylum
Available to individuals who are in the United States or arriving at a U.S. port of entry and who are unable or unwilling to return to their home country due to persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution on account of a protected ground.
Requirements
Must demonstrate persecution or well-founded fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Affirmative asylum applications must generally be filed within one year of the applicant's last arrival in the United States.
Who It's For
Individuals who have suffered or face a credible threat of persecution in their home country based on one of the five protected grounds.
U Visa — Victims of Qualifying Criminal Activity
Provides immigration relief to victims of certain qualifying crimes who have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result and who are helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity.
Requirements
Must be a victim of a qualifying crime (e.g., domestic violence, sexual assault, trafficking, kidnapping). Must have suffered substantial abuse. Must have a certification from a law enforcement agency (Form I-918, Supplement B). Must be admissible or eligible for a waiver.
Who It's For
Victims of qualifying criminal activity in the United States who have cooperated or are willing to cooperate with law enforcement.
T Visa — Victims of Human Trafficking
Provides immigration protection and a pathway to permanent residence for victims of severe forms of trafficking in persons. Designed to strengthen the ability of law enforcement to investigate and prosecute trafficking cases while offering protection to victims.
Requirements
Must be or have been a victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons. Must be in the U.S. on account of trafficking. Must comply with reasonable requests for assistance from law enforcement (with exceptions for trauma). Must demonstrate that removal would cause extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm.
Who It's For
Victims of forced labor, involuntary servitude, debt bondage, and sex trafficking who are present in the United States.
DACA — Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
Provides temporary protection from removal and employment authorization for certain individuals who were brought to the United States as children. DACA does not provide lawful immigration status or a direct path to permanent residence. Recipients must renew their DACA status periodically.
Requirements
Must have arrived in the U.S. before age 16, been continuously present since June 15, 2007, been under 31 as of June 15, 2012, and meet educational or military service requirements. Must not have been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors.
Who It's For
Individuals who were brought to the United States as children, have grown up in the country, and meet the specific eligibility criteria established by the program.
Parole — Humanitarian Parole
Allows individuals to enter or remain in the United States temporarily for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit, even if they do not have a visa or are otherwise inadmissible. Parole is granted on a case-by-case basis and does not constitute formal admission to the United States.
Requirements
Must demonstrate urgent humanitarian reasons (such as medical emergency or family reunification in crisis situations) or that entry serves a significant public benefit. Various country-specific parole programs have their own eligibility criteria.
Who It's For
Individuals in urgent humanitarian situations or those eligible for specific parole programs established for particular nationalities or circumstances.