About

When disasters strike or conflict erupts, the United States has two powerful humanitarian tools at its disposal: Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). These designations offer life-saving protection to individuals already in the U.S. who cannot safely return home. The TPS-DED Administrative Advocacy Coalition exists to ensure that administrations use these tools boldly and broadly, recognizing that protecting vulnerable people is both a moral imperative and a practical benefit to American communities.

Who We Are

The TPS-DED Administrative Advocacy Coalition is a national alliance of more than 100 organizations united by a common goal: to advocate for the expansive use of TPS and DED. Founded in 2017, the Coalition emerged from a need to coordinate efforts among legal experts, community advocates, and international NGOs. We work to ensure that the White House and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designate TPS and DED for all countries where safe return is impossible.

Our members bring deep expertise in immigration law, country conditions, foreign policy, and the practical implementation of these protections. From community-based organizations serving directly impacted families to international NGOs working in affected countries, our coalition reflects a broad and diverse range of perspectives. Together, we amplify the voices of those who need protection and push for policies that uphold human rights and family unity.

Our Mission and Vision

At the heart of our work is a simple but powerful belief: TPS and DED are vital, readily available tools that U.S. administrations can and should use expansively. These designations are not merely discretionary gestures; they are essential mechanisms for safeguarding human life, keeping families together, and building a strong U.S. economy and communities. We advocate for a foreign policy rooted in upholding human rights for all, and we believe that TPS and DED are key components of such a policy.

Our mission is twofold. First, we call on the administration to designate TPS and DED for all countries where conditions make safe return impossible—whether due to armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary circumstances. Second, we work to address systemic issues in the implementation of TPS and DED decisions, engaging with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to ensure that these protections are applied fairly and efficiently.

“TPS and DED are not just legal technicalities—they are lifelines for hundreds of thousands of people who have built lives here and cannot safely return home. Our coalition exists to make sure those lifelines are extended.”

What Are TPS and DED?

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a designation granted by the Secretary of Homeland Security to nationals of certain countries experiencing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary conditions that prevent safe return. Individuals granted TPS are protected from deportation and may obtain work authorization. Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) is a similar protection granted by the President, often in response to foreign policy or humanitarian concerns. Both designations are temporary and renewable, but they provide critical stability for affected individuals.

While TPS and DED are distinct legal mechanisms, they share a common purpose: to provide a safe haven for those who cannot return home. However, these protections are only as effective as the political will behind them. Our coalition works to ensure that administrations understand the human impact of their decisions and act decisively to protect vulnerable populations.

Our Work and Strategies

Our advocacy takes many forms. We engage directly with policymakers, submit formal comments on proposed rules, and publish reports and analyses to inform public debate. We also work closely with USCIS to address implementation challenges, such as delays in processing applications or inconsistencies in adjudication. By combining legal expertise with grassroots advocacy, we aim to create lasting change.

One of our key strategies is to highlight the real-world consequences of TPS and DED decisions. When a country loses its designation, families are torn apart, workers leave critical industries, and communities lose valued members. We document these impacts and share them with decision-makers, making the case that expansive use of TPS and DED is not only humane but also economically and socially beneficial.

Our Coalition Members

Our coalition includes a wide range of organizations, each bringing unique strengths to our collective work. Some of our members include:

• American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee
• American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)
• American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)
• Catholic Charities – Archdiocese of Boston
• Clergy & Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE)
• International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP)
• National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild
• National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
• National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA)
• Network Lobby for Catholic Social Justice
• The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW)
• Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA)
• Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC)

These organizations represent a diverse array of communities and interests, but they are united in their commitment to protecting vulnerable people. By working together, we amplify our impact and ensure that the voices of those most affected are heard in the halls of power.

Why Our Work Matters

The need for TPS and DED has never been greater. Around the world, millions of people are displaced by violence, persecution, and environmental catastrophe. For those already in the United States, the ability to remain safely and legally is a matter of life and death. Yet too often, political considerations overshadow humanitarian needs, leaving vulnerable individuals in limbo.

Our coalition exists to change that. We believe that the United States has a moral obligation to protect those who cannot safely return home. We also believe that doing so strengthens our nation—by keeping families together, supporting our economy, and upholding our values as a country that welcomes the tired, the poor, and the huddled masses yearning to breathe free. Through our advocacy, we strive to make that vision a reality.

Get Involved

If you share our commitment to protecting vulnerable populations, we invite you to learn more about our work and join us in advocating for expansive use of TPS and DED. Whether you are an organization interested in becoming a member or an individual looking to make a difference, there are many ways to get involved. Together, we can ensure that TPS and DED remain powerful tools for justice and compassion.

For more information about our coalition and the people behind our work, please visit our Our Team page.