DHS to Extend TPS for Syria

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At a glance 

• Temporary Protected Status for Syria will be extended by 18 months, through March 31, 2021.   
• Syrian TPS beneficiaries will be required to re-register to extend their benefits. 

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The issue 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has determined that conditions in Syria warrant continued Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for the country’s citizens.  Acting Secretary Kevin K. McAleenan announced that the ongoing armed conflict and other extraordinary conditions that prompted Syria’s initial TPS designation continue to pose a serious threat to the personal safety of its nationals should they be required to return to Syria.  

A closer look 

The TPS designation for Syria will be extended by 18 months, through March 31, 2021.  

Syrian TPS beneficiaries will need to re-register to extend their status and work authorization.  DHS is expected to announce the re-registration period and issue application instructions in the near future.  

To be eligible for an extension of TPS under Syria’s current designation, individuals must have continuously resided in the United States since August 1, 2016, and have been continuously physically present in the United States since October 1, 2016, among other requirements.  

Looking ahead 

The extension of TPS for Syria means that beneficiaries who submit a timely re-registration may continue to work and remain in the United States through March 31, 2021.  Prior to the conclusion of the 18-month extension, the DHS Secretary will review conditions to determine whether its TPS designation should be extended again or terminated.  Today’s DHS announcement states that the agency will make the next decision to extend or terminate the TPS designation for Syria on or before January 30, 2021. 

Fragomen will provide an update when DHS announces the TPS re-registration period for Syrians. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.