TPS

by SCwpadmin SCwpadmin 40 Comments

DHS EXTENDS TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS FOR SOMALIA AND YEMEN

Earlier this month, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson announced his re-designation and 18-month extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Yemen. DHS originally designated Yemen for TPS in September, 2015, on the basis that the ongoing armed conflict occurring within the country posed a threat to persons returning there. In re-designating the country for TPS, Secretary Johnson has recognized that threat to persist. The extension takes effect on March 4, 2017, and will last through September 3, 2018.

To extend TPS coverage, current  beneficiaries must re-register during the 60-day period that runs from January 4, 2017, through March 6, 2017. Re-registrants are also able to apply for a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD) during this period, and the validity of all current TPS Yemen EADs with an expiration date of March 3, 2017, will be extended through September 3, 2018. Yemeni nationals (and persons without nationality who last resided in Yemen) who do not currently have TPS may apply during the 180-day registration period that runs from January 4, 2017, through July 3, 2017.

​DHS has also extended TPS for Somalia, thereby allowing eligible Somali nationals (and persons without nationality who last resided in Somalia) to retain an additional 18 months of protected status, so long as they otherwise remain eligible. The extension will take effect on March 18, 2017, and will expire September 17, 2018. Individuals who have already been granted TPS under a previous designation may re-register during the 60-day period which runs from January 17, 2018, through March 20, 2017, and may also apply for a new EAD. Current EADs with an expiration date of  March 17, 2017, will now remain valid through September 17, 2017.

Somalia was initially designated for TPS in 1991, on the basis of “extraordinary and temporary conditions” preventing Somali nationals from returning to Somalia safely. In re-designating the country for TPS, DHS stated that though the Somali government “has made some progress,” instability and armed conflict persist such that the conditions for TPS continue to be met. This instance marks the tenth time that Somalia has been re-designated for TPS.

by SCwpadmin SCwpadmin No Comments

TPS Extended for Haiti

The Department of Homeland Security extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals for 18 months, beginning January 23, 2016 and lasting through July 22, 2017. Haitian nationals who are current beneficiaries of TPS must re-register their TPS status during a 60 day re-registration period that will run from August 25, 2015 until October 26, 2015. Re-registering will enable TPS beneficiaries to apply for a new employment authorization document.

TPS may be granted to foreign nationals who are present in the United States when disaster hits their home country or when conditions in their home country prevent safe return. TPS is granted for temporary conditions such as civil war and/or armed conflict and environmental disasters.

While a foreign national holds TPS, he or she:

  • may not be removed from the United States;
  • may apply for employment authorization; and
  • may be granted travel authorization.

TPS is a temporary grant of lawful immigration status in the United States that does not lead to citizenship, permanent residence, or any other immigration status.

by SCwpadmin SCwpadmin 36 Comments

DHS Extends Temporary Protected Status for Somalia

The Department of Homeland Security announced this week that it would extend Temporary Protected Status for Somali nationals for an additional eighteen months. During this period, approved Somali nationals in the U.S. cannot be detained by DHS solely on the basis of their immigration status. They are also eligible to receive work authorization during this time.

The extension will be effective from September 18, 2015 through March 17, 2017. Current Somali TPS beneficiaries who wish to extend their TPS and receive a new Employment Authorization Document must re-register with USCIS between June 1, 2015 and July 31, 2015. The new employment documents will expire on the final day of the extension, March 17, 2017.

Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, is a DHS designation that prohibits immigration detention and grants work authorization when conditions in a country temporarily prevent nationals from returning safely, or when the country is unable to adequately handle their return. TPS may be granted due to armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions.

by SCwpadmin SCwpadmin No Comments

Reminder: TPS Registration Deadline for Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone is May 20, 2015

Reminder to all potential applicants that Wednesday May 20, 2015 is the registration deadline for nationals of Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone who believe they are eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to apply.

To demonstrate eligibility, applicants must show that they have been residing continuously in the U.S. since November 20, 2014, have been continuously physical present in the U.S. since November 21, 2014, and must pass a background security check.  If granted, TPS will be awarded from November 21, 2014 until May 21, 2016.

TPS may be granted to foreign nationals who are present in the United States when disaster hits their home country or when conditions in their home country prevent safe return.  TPS is granted for temporary conditions such as civil war and/or armed conflict and environmental disasters.  TPS is a temporary grant of lawful immigration status in the United States that does not lead to citizenship, permanent residence, or any other immigration status.

While a foreign national holds TPS, he or she:

  • may not be removed from the United States;
  • may apply for employment authorization; and
  • may be granted travel authorization.

Call to schedule a consultation with a Stern & Curray attorney if you believe you may qualify for TPS.

 

 

by SCwpadmin SCwpadmin 24 Comments

Temporary Protected Status Extended for El Salvador Until September 9, 2016

TPS may be granted to foreign nationals who are present in the United States when disaster hits their home country or when conditions in their home country prevent safe return.  TPS is granted for temporary conditions such as civil war and/or armed conflict and environmental disasters.

While a foreign national holds TPS, he or she:

  • may not be removed from the United States;
  • may apply for employment authorization; and
  • may be granted travel authorization.

TPS is a temporary grant of lawful immigration status in the United States that does not lead to citizenship, permanent residence, or any other immigration status.

If you are in the United States pursuant to TPS for El Salvador you are required to re-register during a 60 day period from January 7, 2015 until March 9, 2015.  Contact our office today if you need assistance with re-registering your TPS.  Also, if you believe you may qualify for TPS but have never applied, you may be eligible to file a late application.  Call to schedule a consultation with a Stern & Curray attorney.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by SCwpadmin SCwpadmin 30 Comments

Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone Designated for Temporary Protected Status

Due to the Ebola outbreak that ravaged West Africa, the Department of Homeland Security issued an announcement designating Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone for Temporary Protected Status (“TPS”).   TPS may be granted to foreign nationals who are present in the United States when disaster hits their home country or when conditions in their home country prevent safe return.  TPS is granted for temporary conditions such as civil war and/or armed conflict and environmental disasters.

While a foreign national holds TPS, he or she:

  • may not be removed from the United States;
  • may apply for employment authorization; and
  • may be granted travel authorization.

TPS is a temporary grant of lawful immigration status in the United States that does not lead to citizenship, permanent residence, or any other immigration status.  At present, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone nationals who qualify for TPS may be granted an 18 month temporary stay in the United States.  The registration period is from November 21, 2014 until May 20, 2015.

 

by SCwpadmin SCwpadmin 80 Comments

USCIS Will Not Offer TPS Status for Filipinos Impacted by Typhoon

After the devastating typhoon that hit the Philippines on November 8th of last year, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) pressed U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to consider granting Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to impacted Filipinos. In a letter responding to that request, Director Alejandro Mayorkas states that USCIS will “continue to monitor the situation in the Philippines,” but makes no suggestion that TPS will be granted to nationals of the Philippines.  The Director encourages those impacted by the typhoon to utilize other forms of relief, such as those outlined on the USCIS website. These options include expedited processing of some petitions and extensions of certain grants of parole.

by SCwpadmin SCwpadmin 98 Comments

New TPS Extension for Somali Nationals

An 18 month extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) has been extended for eligible Somali nationals. The additional extension will go into effect March 18, 2014 and expires on September 17, 2015. For Somalis currently in TPS who wish to extend their status they must re-register between November 1, 2013 and December 31, 2013. They may also apply for a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD) for the duration of the extension.  Applicants must complete a  Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status and pay for the biometrics fee (or submit a fee waiver), though the application fee has been waived.

 

 

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