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Temporary Protected Status Sought for the Philippines
In light of the Typhoon Haiyan disaster, efforts began last week to request that the U.S. Department of Homeland of Security (DHS) designate the Philippines for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
The DHS Secretary has the authority to designate a foreign country for Temporary Protected Status because of conditions temporarily preventing the country’s nationals from returning safely or if the country cannot adequately handle the return of its nationals.
Temporary country conditions for a TPS designation include:
- Ongoing armed conflict
- Environmental disaster
- Epidemic
Once a country is designated for TPS, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may grant TPS to its eligible nationals who are in the U.S. Some countries designated for TPS include Syria, El Salvador, Haiti, and Honduras.
During a period in which a country is designated for TPS, individuals granted TPS, or who are found prima facie eligible for TPS:
- Are not removable (deportable) from the U.S.;
- Can obtain an employment authorization document (EAD); and
- May be granted travel authorization.
As the name suggests, TPS is a temporary benefit that does not on its own lead to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status or give any other immigration status. However, TPS does not prevent an individual from:
- Applying for nonimmigrant status;
- Applying for adjustment of status to LPR based on an immigrant petition; or
- Applying for any other immigration benefit or protection for which she or he may be eligible.
Last week, Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY), New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan, and the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) called upon DHS to extend TPS to the Philippines. According to recent reports, the death toll is at 4,200. The Philippine government disputes this figure and has reported 3,637 deaths as of this Saturday, up from 2,360. According to the Philippine disaster council, 1,186 are still missing.
The Philippine government says 9.8 million have been affected in 44 provinces, 539 municipalities, and 56 cities. Of those affected, 4.9 million are children; 1.5 million are children under the age of five who are at risk of Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM). According to U.N. estimates, 2.5 million people are in need of food assistance.
*If you have questions about TPS, humanitarian relief, or other immigration benefits, contact Milla Lawto schedule a consultation.
Hear From Our Happy Clients
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“Mr. Milla has a great sense of humor and is an excellent attorney”
Mr. Robert is an excellent lawyer. He represented me in getting my green card back in 2020-2022.My case was such a complicated one as my husband was still waiting on his citizenship and I was in removal proceedings and out of status. He represented us on the day of the interview and also on my court date in immigration court. I got approved the same day after many years of waiting. Mr. Milla has a great sense of humor. Navigating the immigration system is not easy nor funny, but Mr. Milla knows how to ease the situation with a joke here and there, all while providing exceptional services. I am extremely grateful to Milla & Associates for helping me become a permanent resident and be able to work legally, travel internationally and visit relatives abroad. Update to this review, Mr Milla represented me during my citizenship process in winter-spring 2025. I got my citizenship fast and I was confident during the process because I knew I have the best immigration lawyer in Chicagoland by my side. I will forever be grateful to Milla and Associates for helping me become a US Citizen, especially during these crazy immigration times in 2025.- V. B. -
“Thanks to this outstanding support, I am now a U.S. citizen.”
We are immensely grateful for the exceptional services provided by Milla and Associates. During the challenging times of 2020, amid the uncertainties of the Covid pandemic, we were quite anxious about the process and the necessary documents. Justin was incredibly helpful, offering clear instructions and ensuring we were well-prepared for our interview. Thanks to this outstanding support, I am now a U.S. citizen. Milla and associates truly laid the foundation for this significant achievement. Thank you so much for your excellent work!- S. S. -
“I can't express how happy my husband is that they helped us get his green card approval”
I highly recommend this law firm, Eyzuri Segovia Sanchez, more than anything. My husband had faced deportation years ago and had a 5-year ban. During this period, he didn't bother coming to the US. She guided us amazingly because we had the best outcome... his approval. He's now with me in the US. Her legal assistant, Izela Delgado, is also excellent. I can't express how happy my husband is that they helped us get his green card approval.- Y. A. -
“There are not enough words of gratitude that we can express to commend the job well done”
I don’t take leaving reviews lightly and this is a well deserved 5 star review! For context, my wife and I hired Milla & Associates to represent us for my case of adjustment of status via a waiver through marriage process (if you are currently looking to adjust your status, you know how complex of a process this can be). For my case, we had the opportunity to work with Attorney Eyzuri Segovia Sanchez and her legal assistant Izela Delgado, and there are not enough words of gratitude that we can express to commend the job well done. Attorney Eyzuri was professional, well-versed, and very informative throughout the entire process. Overall, the legal team working with us was quick to respond via email, available when needed, reviewed and completed all paperwork required in a smooth, timely manner. I highly recommend hiring Milla & Associates to represent you in your case to work with their highly-skilled team and one of their professional attorneys!- J. A. -
“Provided professional advice”
My wife and I received our green cards last week, and I want to thank Robert's team again. First, they always replied to our emails whenever we had questions, which was very important to me. Second, Robert provided professional advice that helped us make the right decisions. My wife's case was complicated, we feel lucky and blessed to have chosen the right help. Wish everyone luck!- Eric B.
