Who is responsible for granting Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?

The responsibility for granting Temporary Protected Status (TPS) lies with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This program allows individuals from designated countries affected by crises, such as war or natural disasters, to remain in the United States temporarily and work legally while conditions in their home countries are evaluated or improved.

USCIS is in charge of assessing applications for TPS and determining eligibility based on specific criteria established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This involves a thorough review of each applicant’s background, nationality, and circumstances that qualify for TPS designation. The significance of this functionality is that it provides protection and relief to vulnerable individuals in extraordinary situations, effectively preventing them from being returned to potentially dangerous conditions.

The other entities mentioned in the question hold different functions: the Department of State primarily handles foreign relations and might designate which countries qualify for TPS, Customs and Border Protection deals with border enforcement and customs laws, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement focuses on immigration enforcement and deportations. Therefore, the role of granting TPS is specifically and rightly aligned with USCIS, making it the correct answer.