DHS Extends and Redesignates Somalia for Temporary Protected Status for 18 Months through March 17, 2026 — Visa Lawyer Blog — July 22, 2024
In this post, we share with you some great news for Somalian nationals under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in the United States.
The Biden administration has made the decision to extend Temporary Protected Status for Somalian nationals currently receiving protections under the program for 18 months from September 18, 2024 through March 17, 2026.
A notice has been published in the Federal Register with information about how to register for TPS under Somalia’s designation.
The main benefit of applying for TPS protections is that those who are approved can remain in the country on a lawful basis, will receive protection against deportation (deferred status), and are eligible to apply for employment authorization and travel permission by filing, Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization, and Form I-131 Application for Travel Document, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Current TPS beneficiaries who wish to extend their status through March 17, 2026, must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period from July 22, 2024, through September 20, 2024, to ensure they keep their TPS and employment authorization.
Extension of Somalia’s Designation for TPS
On July 19, 2024, the Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, announced an 18-month extension and re-designation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for the country of Somalia. This extension and re-designation will be in effect from September 18, 2024, through March 17, 2026 (an 18-month period).
Secretary Mayorkas made this decision after consulting with government officials and taking into consideration the ongoing armed conflict in Somalia, along with natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and worsening humanitarian crisis. Somalia continues to be impacted by terrorism, violent crime, civil unrest, and fighting amongst clan militias making it necessary to extend the designation of Somalia for TPS.
The extension of TPS for Somalia will allow approximately 600 current beneficiaries to retain TPS through March 17, 2026, if they re-register and continue to meet TPS eligibility requirements.
The redesignation of Somalia for TPS also allows an estimated 4,300 additional Somali nationals to file initial applications for TPS, if they are otherwise eligible. Such individuals must have established residence in the United States on or before July 12, 2024, and have maintained continuous residence since then.
Re-registration is limited to individuals who previously registered for and were granted TPS under Somalia’s prior designation.
Current beneficiaries under TPS for Somalia must re-register in a timely manner during the 60-day re-registration period from July 22, 2024, through September 20, 2024, to ensure they keep their TPS and work authorization.
Employment Authorization Documents
DHS recognizes that not all re-registrants may receive a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before their current EAD expires and is automatically extending through September 17, 2025, the validity of certain EADs previously issued under Somalia’s TPS designation.
Somalian nationals with pending I-821 or I-765 Applications
USCIS will continue to process pending applications filed under Somalia’s previous TPS designation. Individuals with a pending Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, or a related Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, as of July 22, 2024, do not need to file either application again.
If USCIS approves a pending Form I-821 or Form I-765 filed under the previous designation of TPS for Somalia, USCIS will grant the individual TPS through March 17, 2026, and issue an EAD valid through the same date.
First time TPS applicants
Under the redesignation of Somalia, eligible individuals who do not have TPS may submit an initial Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, during the initial registration period that runs from July 22, 2024, through March 17, 2026.
Applicants may also apply for TPS-related EADs and for travel authorization. Applicants can request an EAD by submitting a completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with their Form I-821, or separately later.
To review the complete eligibility requirements, forms, and supporting documentation required with the filing of Form I-821, please click here.
Special Student Relief
The Department of Homeland Security has also released a Special Student Relief notice for F-1 nonimmigrant students who are citizens of Somalia. The notice will allow eligible students from Somalia to request employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while continuing to maintain their F-1 status through the TPS designation period.
Where Can I find More Information?
The Department of Homeland Security has published the official notice of extension and redesignation of Somalia for TPS in the Federal Register outlining the application procedures and eligibility for Somalian nationals seeking an extension of their TPS benefits, as well as those wishing to apply for TPS benefits for the first time.
Need help re-registering? We can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation by texting 619-483-4549 or calling us at 619-819-9204. We look forward to helping you.
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