The Department of Homeland Security will extend and redesignate Somalia for Temporary Protected Status 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 redesignation of TPS for Somalia will allow Somalian nationals who have continuously resided in the United States since Jan. 11, 2023, to file initial applications. Somalian nationals who entered the United States after Jan. 11, 2023, are not eligible for TPS.
  • DHS published a Federal Register notice explaining the procedures necessary to re-register or submit an initial registration application and apply for an Employment Authorization Document.

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 redesignation permits additional eligible Somalian nationals to apply or reapply for TPS and EADs. BAL will provide more information as it becomes available.

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

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