Nationals of 5 Countries Now Eligible for First-Time TPS Registration

As we noted back in March, USCIS has begun accepting initial Temporary Protected Status (“TPS”) registration for Syria and Venezuela. In addition to those two countries, nationals from Burma, Somalia, and Yemen can now apply for Temporary Protected Status as well. Of the five countries, Venezuela and Burma are the only two that were not previously TPS-designated.

For individuals in the United States from these countries, this grant of TPS acts as a protection from removal proceedings and includes employment authorization to legally work in the United States. As the name suggests, this status is only temporary, however the Department of Homeland Security may renew national TPS designations indefinitely.

Certain eligibility requirements apply, including a bar for applicants who have been convicted of any felony or two or more misdemeanors in the United States (see more eligibility requirements here). The following registration deadlines are also applicable:

For Burma (Myanmar), an applicant must have continuously resided in the United States since March 11, 2021 and have had physical presence in the U.S. since May 25, 2021. They are able to register for TPS until November 21, 2021. The TPS designation is through November 25, 2022.

For Somalia, an applicant must have continuously resided in the United States since July 19, 2021, and have physical presence in the U.S. from September 18, 2021 forward. The registration period for initial TPS runs until March 17, 2023. Individuals from Somalia who already have TPS may re-register for the status until September 20, 2021. The TPS designation is through March 17, 2023.

For Syria, an applicant must have continuously resided in the United States since March 19, 2021 and have had continuous physical presence in the U.S. since March 31, 2021. The registration period for initial TPS runs until September 15, 2021. The re-registration period for Syria already closed on May 18, 2021. The TPS designation is through September 30, 2022.

For Venezuela, individuals must have continuously resided in the United States since March 8, 2021 and have had physical presence in the U.S. since March 9, 2021. The registration period for initial applicants runs until September 5, 2021. The TPS designation is through September 9, 2022.

For Yemen, individuals must have continuously resided in the United States since July 5, 2021 and have continuous physical presence in the U.S. from September 4, 2021 forward. The registration period for initial applicants runs until March 3, 2023. Individuals from Somalia who already have TPS may re-register for the status until September 7, 2021. The TPS designation runs through March 3, 2023.

If you think you or a loved one may be eligible for Temporary Protected Status, please contact our office schedule a consultation today.