The Immigration and Naturalization Service has approved Temporary Protection Status for nationals and certain former residents of Burundi, Sierra Leone and Sudan living in the United States. This status will allow Sierra Leoneans to receive work authorization, Social Security numbers and to travel in and out of the country. TPS allows nationals of a war torn country who are residing in the US to remain legally until the situation in their home country is considered to be safe enough for them to return.
To receive TPS status, Sierra Leone nationals should file Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status (the filing fee is $50) along with Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization. The I-765 must be filed even if work authorization is not sought. However, If work authorization is being sought, the filing fee of $70 must be submitted. TPS status is available through November 3, 1998 at which time the INS will review the situations in the country to determine if extending the program is appropriate.
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