The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced that it would extend and re-designate Somalia for Temporary Protected States (TPS) for 18 months, from Sept. 18, 2021, through March 17, 2023.

Key Points:

  • The extension will allow currently eligible Somalian TPS beneficiaries to retain TPS through March 17, 2023, provided they continue to meet eligibility requirements.
  • The re-designation of TPS for Somali will allow Somalian nationals who have continuously resided in the U.S. since July 19, 2021 to file initial applications.
  • 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 citizens was made due to the ongoing, three-decade long conflict, natural disasters, disease outbreaks, COVID-19 pandemic and increase in violence, DHS said. The extension and re-designation permits additional eligible Somalians 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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