A more thorough explanation:

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a temporary immigration status given to people from certain countries who are already in the United States. This status allows them to stay in the country for a designated period of time, during which they can work and travel. They cannot be deported or detained by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) during this time.

TPS does not lead to permanent residency (a green card), but a person with TPS may be able to apply for permanent residency under another law if they qualify.

The Secretary of Homeland Security can give TPS to people from a foreign country if it is not safe for them to return home or if their country cannot handle their return. For example, if there is an ongoing war or an environmental disaster.

As of April 2022, the following countries have TPS designations or extensions:

• Burma (Myanmar)
• El Salvador
• Haiti
• Honduras
• Nepal
• Nicaragua
• Somalia
• Sudan
• South Sudan
• Syria
• Ukraine
• Venezuela
• Yemen

For example, after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, the United States granted TPS to Haitians who were already in the country. This allowed them to stay and work in the United States until it was safe to return home.

Another example is the TPS designation for Syria. Due to the ongoing civil war, Syrians who were already in the United States were granted TPS, allowing them to stay and work in the country until it is safe to return home.