When fleeing dangerous conditions in your home country, you may come across two very different U.S. immigration options: Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Asylum. Both offer relief, but they serve different purposes and come with different rights, timelines, and long-term outcomes.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between TPS and asylum to help you better understand which option might apply to your situation.
1. What Is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?
TPS is a temporary humanitarian program for people from specific countries facing ongoing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions.
You may qualify for TPS if:
- You are a national of a designated TPS country (or stateless but last resided there)
- You were physically present in the U.S. on the designated effective date
- You have continuously resided in the U.S. since the required date
- You meet all security and background checks
TPS is granted by the Secretary of Homeland Security, and status is extended in 6–18 month increments.
2. What Is Asylum?
Asylum is for people who fear individual persecution based on one of five protected grounds: race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
Unlike TPS, asylum is:
- Based on personal danger, not general country conditions
- Available to nationals of any country
- A direct path to permanent residency and citizenship
3. Key Differences at a Glance
Feature | TPS | Asylum |
---|---|---|
Country Specific? | Yes | No |
Based on Personal Persecution? | No | Yes |
Available to Anyone in Danger? | Only for certain countries | Yes, if individual fear exists |
Work Authorization | Yes | Yes (after 150 days) |
Green Card Path | No (unless separate basis) | Yes (after 1 year) |
Risk of Losing Status | High (if TPS ends) | Lower (asylum is indefinite if approved) |
Application Deadline | Based on designation date | 1 year after last entry (with exceptions) |
4. Can You Apply for Both TPS and Asylum?
Yes. If you’re eligible for both, you can apply for TPS while your asylum case is pending. In fact, this is often recommended because TPS can:
- Provide temporary protection
- Allow you to work legally while you wait for asylum
Just be sure to maintain both applications correctly and understand their separate timelines.
5. What Happens If TPS Ends?
TPS can end if the U.S. government determines that your home country is now safe. When TPS ends:
- You may lose work authorization
- You may be placed in removal proceedings if you have no other status
This is why many TPS holders also apply for asylum, green cards, or other relief as a backup.
TPS and asylum both offer life-saving protection, but they’re very different in purpose and long-term impact. TPS is temporary and country-based. Asylum is permanent and personal.
If you believe you qualify for either — or both — speak with an immigration attorney to decide the best course of action for your future.