Washington, DC | www.adc.org | July 29, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will announce that it will extend and renew Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for Syrian nationals currently in the United States. The notice is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on Monday, August 1, 2016.
Click here to view a PDF of the unpublished TPS announcement
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.
In February 2016, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) filed a petition to DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson, requesting him to extend TPS protection for Syrian nationals and reopen the registration period. In granting ADC’s request, DHS Secretary Johnson is extending the Syrian TPS designation for 18 months, from October 1, 2016 through March 31, 2018.
Syrian nationals who have been continuously residing in the U.S. since August 1, 2016 and continuously physically present since October 1, 2016 are eligible to obtain TPS. 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 to register for TPS for the first time and apply for Employment Authorization Documents that allow them to work. Additionally, persons with no nationality who last habitually resided in Syria are also eligible for TPS, including Palestinian refugees who resided in refugee camps in Syria.
Important Dates:
- 60 Day Re-registration period for Syrian Nationals who already have TPS: August 1, 2016 through September 29, 2016 (60 days)
- 180 Day Registration Period for Syrian Nationals who are applying for TPS for the first time: August 1, 2016 through January 30, 2017 (180 Days)
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 legal@adc.org.