Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a designation that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security gives to certain countries based on the conditions there. Specific conditions warranting this designation include but are not limited to wars, natural disasters and other circumstances that make it dangerous for citizens of that country who are currently living in the United States dangerous to return.
People from TPS-designated countries who are living in the United States can apply for individual TPS with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by filing Form I-821 at specific times.