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Myths on why many TPS beneficiaries from El Salvador have not re-registered
February 20, 2025 — Currently, there are thousands of beneficiaries of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua who have not yet re-registered for the program. There are only a few days left for people to register and thus have their protection against deportation in effect and keep their work permits up to date.
People who benefit from TPS from El Salvador have until March 18, 2025, to re-register.
The consequences of not re-registering for TPS are very serious:
In this document, we clarify frequently asked questions and respond to the misinformation that we know is circulating among TPS beneficiaries.
MYTH: El Salvador's TPS is automatically renewed and I do not have to re-register. For five years I have not had to do any paperwork and my TPS was still valid.
FACT: The Department of Homeland Security determined that to continue accessing TPS benefits, beneficiaries must re-register. Renewal is not automatic.
On January 17, 2025, former Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas granted another extension of TPS for El Salvador, which will protect for 18 months only the beneficiaries who submit forms I-821 to extend their TPS and I-765 to request a new employment authorization card (EAD). These forms must be sent to the Immigration and Citizenship (USCIS) office corresponding to your place of residence. The last day to renew the TPS for El Salvador is March 18, 2025.
MYTH: The employment authorization card (EAD) is the same as the TPS.
FACT: They are not the same. The employment authorization card can be processed only if USCIS approved the renewal of your TPS. In other words, if you do not renew your TPS by the date indicated by USCIS, the EAD card loses validity and you will not be able to use it to continue in your current job or look for a new job. The form to renew the TPS is the I-821 and the form to request a new work authorization card is the I-765.
MYTH: My child or my partner who has US citizenship presented documents to request my permanent residence. Since I have that process open, I no longer need to renew my TPS and they cannot deport me.
FACT: Your application for permanent residence will be rejected if you do not re-register for TPS. To qualify for the adjustment of status process, you must have a valid immigration status. TPS is a valid immigration status. If you lose your TPS, you will be a person with irregular immigration status and will not be able to access permanent residence.
MYTH: I do not have the money to pay for the application for a work permit and the fingerprint application. There is nothing I can do, I will lose my TPS.
FACT: There are options available to request a waiver of the cost of the work permit. It is a process that requires enough time because the USCIS receives thousands of requests every day. Only by sending $30.00, which is the payment for the fingerprinting and the I-821 form to renew your TPS, will the USCIS consider your application. You can get a guide with tips for requesting a fee waiver for your work permit at the following web address: https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/flyers/EAD_Fee-Waiver_F_I-765_SPA_V2.pdf
If you cannot access the document, visit a community organization or local public library to have the USCIS guide printed for you. They should not charge large amounts of money to print the document, it is only two pages.
MYTH: TPS is always extended, my country's government has good relations with the United States. There is no need to worry, we are sure that they will give it to us again.
FACT: There is a lot of uncertainty about the future of the program. New TPS designations have not been provided to El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua for more than 20 years. We have to fight to extend protection beyond 2026.
Don't snooze! Renew your TPS today!
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