Though more vulnerable than ever before, Temporary Protected Status beneficiaries need not give up the fight.

On September 14, 2020, the Ninth Circuit of Appeals struck a near-fatal body blow to the dreams of nearly 300,000 TPS beneficiaries, leaving them groping for air as the program neared its death bed.

A few weeks later, the Biden Administration extended the life line of the six nations facing termination under the Ninth Circuit’s ruling to December 31, 2022.  As the deadline neared, on November 10, 2022, the government again extended their TPS benefits, up to June 30, 2024.

If you’re a TPS recipient, of course, uncertainty remains about the future of TPS, whatever your nation of origin.  However, despite a sour TPS ending, winning permanent residence may still be in the cards for you.

If at first you don’t succeed, I was taught by my mother, try and try again.

This attitude is one of the most important mindsets for many U.S. spouses trying to help immigrate their spouses born in another country.

Especially those who need to win a hardship waiver to remain together as a family.

I’ve seen far too many couples set out thinking the green card process is simple, only to find themselves facing separation from each other for 3 years, 10 years, and longer.

Giving up is not an option.

Overcoming negative moments in life does not simply happen.

For many immigrants, nowhere is this more true than in overcoming abusive relationships with a person they both love and fear.

Many immigrant who are victims of domestic violence and physical abuse feel trapped in their relationships.

It requires taking actions to change and the courage to take those actions.

They worry that without their partner, no matter how badly they are mistreated and harmed, there is no path to permanent residence.

They’re wrong.

United we stand, divided we fall.

This theme is more than the title of a popular song in the early 1970s. It is a slogan worth adoption by all immigration reform supporters, by all immigrant communities.

For many years, as a family unity attorney, I have denounced the American public for failing to acknowledge the benefits of cultural diversity which immigrants bring to this country.

My criticism does not exclude any ethnic group.

Whereas members of various cultural groups may appreciate the value of immigration reform for their cultural brethren, they largely ignore the same needs for immigrants of different hues, traditions, and origins.

According to Kim Anderson, former President of American Families United, “U.S. citizens are the most neglected constituency in the immigration debate.”

Hyperbole aside, Anderson raises a critically significant issue that is grossly undervalued by many pro-immigrant advocates.

Simply stated, U.S. citizen spouses are far too minimized in immigration reform discourse.

April 1, 1997.

The day IIRAIRA went into effect.

The day we entered the Age of Immigration Darkness.

For immigrants, a divorce is not always the worst aspect of divorces. In many instances, a divorce has no impact on immigration status.

On the other hand, navigating the issues of family court proceedings is often like tip-toeing through a field of landmines. One misstep and permanent residency or citizenship dreams are shattered.

Once again, President Biden has reversed the immigration course taken by the Trump Administration regarding the Temporary Protection program.

TPS for the country of Sudan, was earmarked for expiration on May 2, 2022, has been extended to November 3, 2022.

TPS for South Sudan, whose termination was to take effect on November 2, 2018, remained in effect due to federal lawsuits only up to December 31, 2022.

However, under the Biden announcement, the nation has been redesignated for full TPS benefits.

Want to know the big secret to winning I-601 waiver cases?

I learned it early in my career at a seminar for new attorneys. A judge, running the course, gave me a piece of advice that guides me to this day. It’s proven crucial in countless trials and appeals with immigration courts and agencies.

The advice, though simple, was profound.

Good lawyers, said the judge, prepare in advance. They know their evidence before their hearings start. They maximize their clients’ chances of success.