The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the extension and redesignation of Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for Syrian nationals currently in the United States. This morning the official notice was published in the Federal Register and can be read here.
The DHS Secretary has the authority to designate a country for TPS due to conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the country’s nationals from returning safely, such as armed conflict and natural disasters. During a designated period, individuals who are TPS beneficiaries:
- Are not removable from the United States by DHS.
- Can obtain an employment authorization document (EAD).
- May be granted travel authorization.
The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) filed a petition to DHS, requesting to extend TPS protection for Syrian nationals and reopen the registration period. DHS Alejandro Mayorkas extended the designation of Syria for TPS for 18 months, from March 31, 2021, through September 30, 2022.
The extension allows Syrian nationals who are currently TPS beneficiaries to retain their TPS by re-registering during the 60 day period. The redesignation also allows additional Syrian nationals who are in the U.S. by March 19, 2021 to register for TPS for the first time and apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) that allow them to work.
Important Dates:
- 60 Day Re-registration period for Syrian Nationals who already have TPS: March 19, 2021 through May 18, 2021.
- 180 Day Registration Period for Syrian Nationals who are applying for TPS for the first time: March 19, 2021 through September 15, 2021.
- Additionally, DHS recognizes that not all re-registrants may receive new EADs before their current EADs expire on March 31, 2021. Accordingly, through the Federal Register notice, DHS automatically extends the validity of EADs previously issued under the TPS designation of Syria for 180 days, through September 27, 2021. Therefore, TPS beneficiaries can show their EADs with: (1) A March 31, 2021 expiration date and (2) an A-12 or C-19 category code as proof of continued employment authorization through September 27, 2021.
Please visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website for more information on how to apply for TPS.
The ADC Legal Department provides assistance with all immigration related matters, including assistance with TPS and asylum claims. Please note that an application for TPS does not affect an application for asylum or any other immigration benefit and vice versa. For questions about TPS, contact ADC Legal at 202-244-2990, or send an email to [email protected]
Click here for more information about TPS and ADC’s work.
If you have experienced discrimination at the border, please contact our legal team by reporting an incident online.
If you have experienced discrimination at the border, please contact our legal team by reporting an incident online.