Iranian Temporary Immigration Relief Act

This bill, titled the "Iranian Temporary Immigration Relief Act," aims to grant temporary protected status (TPS) and employment authorization to specific Iranian nationals residing in the United States. It addresses the unique challenges faced by these individuals due to a December 2025 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) adjudication pause on their benefit applications. Furthermore, the bill recognizes the severe and extraordinary conditions in Iran, including armed hostilities with the United States, widespread civilian casualties, and the Iranian regime's atrocities against its own population, making safe return impossible. The legislation defines "eligible individuals" as Iranian nationals who were lawfully present in the U.S., filed benefit applications before or during the adjudication pause, and whose immigration status or employment authorization has expired or will expire due to this pause. These individuals would receive an initial 18-month TPS designation, which the Secretary of Homeland Security can extend if the adjudication pause or the dangerous conditions in Iran persist. Crucially, the bill ensures that these individuals receive interim employment authorization within 30 days of application and that their employment authorization is deemed continuous, preventing gaps in their ability to work. The bill provides significant protections, stipulating that applying for or receiving TPS will not negatively impact other pending immigration applications, constitute abandonment of status, or lead to removal proceedings. It also prevents the accrual of unlawful presence during the adjudication pause or while TPS applications are pending. However, certain individuals are ineligible, including those with serious criminal convictions or those involved in the Iranian regime's human rights abuses, corruption, or support for sanctioned entities. To ensure transparency and accountability, the Secretary of Homeland Security is mandated to commence TPS adjudications within 30 days of enactment and complete them within 90 days of receipt. The Secretary must also publish interim and final rules for implementation. Additionally, the bill requires regular reports to Congress detailing the number of applications affected by the adjudication pause, processing times, and the status of TPS applications, including reasons for denial.