The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today that it would extend and re-designate Somalia for Temporary Protected States (TPS) for 18 months, from March 18, 2023, through Sept. 17, 2024.

Key Points:

  • The extension will allow currently eligible Somalian TPS beneficiaries to retain TPS through Sept. 17, 2024, provided they continue to meet eligibility requirements.
  • The re-designation of TPS for Somalia will allow Somalian nationals who have continuously resided in the U.S. since Jan. 11, 2023, to file initial applications. Somalian nationals who entered the U.S. after Jan. 11, 2023, are not eligible for TPS.
  • DHS said a forthcoming Federal Register notice would explain the procedures necessary to re-register or submit an initial registration application and apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

Additional Information: The decision to extend TPS for Somalian nationals was made due to a longstanding conflict, along with natural disasters and disease outbreaks, DHS said. The extension and re-designation permits additional eligible Somalian nationals to apply or re-apply for TPS and EADs. BAL will provide additional information as it becomes available.

This alert has been provided by BAL U.S. Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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