USCIS Extends TPS Registration for Somalis

Contributed by Kim Tremblay, Associate Attorney

On November 6, 2013, DHS announced that it was extending Temporary Protected Status (“TPS”) for Somalis in the United States.  DHS first announced the availability of TPS for Somalis in 1991.

If you currently have TPS and have maintained your status, you must reregister during the reregistration period.  This period will be between November 1, 2013 and December, 31 2013.    Your status will be extended until September 17, 2015 once your application is approved.  The employment authorization document that you have will be NOT be automatically extended while you are waiting for your new employment authorization document.  Thus, it is important to file in a timely manner.

If you do not currently have TPS or if you did not reregister during earlier reregistration periods, you may register now if you meet certain conditions. For example, if you could not register because of compelling circumstances, you may be eligible to do so now.  You should consult an immigration attorney to determine whether you meet the conditions for late initial registration or late reregistration.

For more information, see:

USCIS Website on TPS for Somalia:

http://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status-deferred-enforced-departure/tps-designated-country-somalia/temporary-protected-status-designated-country-somalia

Federal Register:

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-11-01/html/2013-25969.htm