ADC Requests DHS to Re-designate Syria for Temporary Protected Status

 

American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee

ADC Requests DHS to Re-designate Syria for Temporary Protected Status

Washington, DC | www.adc.org | November 26th, 2014 – The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) filed a request today with the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), urging DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson to re-designate Syria for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).  In accordance with 8 U.S.C. § 1254a, the Secretary of Homeland Security may designate a foreign country for TPS due to conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the country’s nationals from returning safely, such as an ongoing armed conflict.

As the largest Arab-American civil rights organization, ADC is especially concerned for the welfare and human rights of the innocent civilians who are affected by the conflict in Syria. ADC’s legal department regularly provides pro bono legal advice to Syrian nationals seeking information about refugee status, temporary protected status, and asylum in the United States.  

ADC has previously submitted TPS requests to DHS in April of 2013 and January of 2012.  Both of ADC’s prior requests to designate Syria for TPS were granted. Unfortunately, the situation in Syria has deteriorated since DHS re-designated Syria for TPS in June of 2013, and last year’s designation does not help many of the Syrian nationals who have fled Syria since last year.  

The Syrian refugee crisis has grown worse as the conflict has escalated.  The rise of ISIS and other extremist militant factions has compounded the risk to civilian lives in Syria, causing a massive flood of refugees. In August 2014, UNHCR reported that the number of Syrian refugees surpassed 3 million. In September, CNN reported that as many as 200,000 people fled the Syrian town of Kobani in a matter of four days. 

It is imperative that Syria is re-designated for TPS so that Syrian refugees who have fled to the United States since last year’s re-designation can register for TPS for the first time.TPS beneficiaries are protected from fear of deportation and allowed to obtain employment authorization in the United States. 

If you have a question regarding TPS or other immigration related matters, please contact the ADC legal department at (202) 244-2990.


Support ADC | Become a member | Facebook | Twitter | adc.org

ADC | 1990 M Street NW, Suite 610 | Washington, DC 20036 | (202) 244-2990 | adc@adc.org

You have received this email through your subscription to ADC’s email list. 

If you did not subscribe, or would no longer like to receive email updates, unsubscribe here

© 2014 ADC. All rights reserved.

Scroll to Top