Somali nationals

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 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 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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