Your Rights & Options

Not legal advice. The options below have strict rules and are hard to win. This list only helps you ask the right questions when you meet a lawyer. Do not assume you qualify. See a licensed immigration attorney or DOJ-accredited representative — many help free or low-cost (Find Help).

🤝 The fight isn't over — but don't wait on it

Advocates and lawmakers are still pushing back. As of July 1, 2026 (reported by advocacy and legal sources):

In Congress: the House passed a bill to protect Haiti TPS (H.R. 1689, Rep. Ayanna Pressley); a Senate bill led by Sen. Markey would extend Haiti TPS to 2029 (S. 4814); and Rep. Seth Moulton introduced the TPS Relief Act (June 29) to restore court review of TPS decisions. None have become law, and all face a likely veto — do not count on them.
In court: a coalition (the National TPS Alliance and others) filed a new lawsuit on July 1, 2026 challenging rules that strip work authorization from TPS holders and asylum seekers. The Syria discrimination claim also survives on remand — but no court order is currently pausing the terminations.
What this means for you: treat your protection as ending in July 2026 and get an individual legal review now. If the law changes later, being prepared costs you nothing.

Sources: AILA; National TPS Alliance (July 1 suit).

The single most important first step

Get an individual case review from a real immigration attorney or accredited representative now, while you still have time and options — especially if you might qualify for asylum, which has a strict deadline. Do not wait for a notice in the mail.

1) Other immigration relief you might qualify for

Asylum

Form I-589

For people who fear serious harm at home based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or a particular social group. There is generally a 1-year-from-arrival filing deadline, but losing TPS may count as a "changed circumstance" exception — ask a lawyer immediately. A pending asylum case can also open a work-permit option after 150 days.

Family-based green card

Forms I-130 + I-485

Strongest for spouses, parents, and children of U.S. citizens. The catch: adjusting from inside the U.S. usually requires a lawful entry. Some who traveled on TPS travel authorization (Form I-512T) and were admitted may qualify — but this is fact-specific. Ask before assuming.

U visa (crime victims)

Form I-918

For victims of certain serious crimes who helped law enforcement. Needs a signed law-enforcement certification, and the waiting list is long.

T visa (trafficking)

Form I-914

For victims of severe human trafficking. Usually requires cooperation with law enforcement (with exceptions).

VAWA self-petition

Form I-360

For people abused by a U.S.-citizen or green-card spouse, parent, or adult child. Men and women both qualify. You can file on your own, confidentially, with no fee.

Cancellation of removal

Form EOIR-42B (court only)

Only for people already in immigration court who meet a high bar (10+ years here, good moral character, extreme hardship to a U.S.-citizen/LPR family member).

Form numbers verified at USCIS.gov; cancellation of removal via DOJ EOIR.

2) Know your rights if ICE approaches you

You have rights no matter your immigration status.

At your door

You do not have to open the door. Ask them to show a warrant through the window or under the door.
A warrant must be signed by a judge with your correct name/address to let them enter. A form signed only by an ICE officer (administrative warrant) does not allow them inside.
Stay calm. Do not run. Do not lie.

Your core rights

Remain silent. You can say: "I want to remain silent. I want to speak to a lawyer."
Do not sign anything without a lawyer — signing the wrong paper can give up your right to a hearing.
Do not show foreign documents (like a foreign passport); they can be used against you.
You have the right to a lawyer (the government won't pay, but free help exists).

Carry a free wallet-size "Red Card" stating your rights: ILRC Red Cards · NILC Know Your Rights card · ACLU.

3) Prepare now — preparedness checklist

Prepare while you are calm, not during an emergency. Gather and safely copy these (keep originals safe; give copies to someone you trust):

Passport(s) and any national ID
All TPS approval and receipt notices
Your work permit (EAD) cards — current and old
Proof of continuous U.S. residence (leases, bills, pay stubs, school/medical records)

Tax records (returns / W-2s for every year)
Birth/marriage certificates and children's documents
Any immigration paperwork you've ever filed
Write down your A-number (Alien Registration Number) for trusted family

Also: memorize a lawyer's or trusted contact's phone number; choose emergency contacts; make a childcare plan (consider a childcare power of attorney); make a family safety plan. Free step-by-step guide: ILRC Family Preparedness Plan.

4) Work & travel — the reality

Working after your EAD expires (with no other valid permit) is unauthorized and can hurt future cases. Never use fake documents — that is a serious crime. A new work permit is only possible if you have another qualifying case (e.g., a pending asylum, green card, U/T/VAWA case).
Leaving the U.S. after your status lapses is dangerous. It can trigger a 3-year or 10-year bar on returning, and can destroy a case you're trying to build. Do not travel without talking to an attorney first. (USCIS)