The Temporary Protected Status (TPS)/Ebola benefit to citizens of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone expires on May 21, 2017, and will not be renewed. On that date, TPS beneficiaries will no longer be eligible to work in the US and will be in removal except for

1. Beneficiaries who acquired a lawful status while on TPS.
2. Beneficiaries who maintained a lawful status while on TPS. On May 20, 2017, TPS beneficiaries will be placed on the status that they had before this benefit. That status may still be valid but may not entitle its holder to work (e.g., a visitor’s status).

Thus, if you are eligible for another status, you need to act now. Do not wait until the benefit expires. The Department of Homeland Security provided an 8-month advance notice of this expiration, so “I did not know” is not a valid excuse for refusing to attend to this matter.

Speak with an immigration service official, lawyer, etc. if you

1. Have a genuine humanitarian fear of returning to one of the TPS designated countries.
2. Have a U.S. citizen spouse or a 21-year-old biological or stepchild who could petition for you. You must have a bona fide relationship with your stepchild.
3. Are under 21 and have a U.S. citizen biological parent or stepparent who could petition for you. You must have a bona fide relationship with your stepparent.

In cases #2 and #3 above, you will need to prove that a bona fide relationship exists between you and your stepchild or stepparent (e.g., by providing pictures and/or correspondence that tell the story of your relationship).

Do not rely on grapevine information. Instead, speak with an immigration professional. Visit www.uscis.gov/tps for additional information.