DHS to Extend TPS for Somalia

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At a glance

Temporary Protected Status for Somalia will be extended by 18 months, through March 17, 2020. Somali TPS beneficiaries will be required to re-register to extend their benefits.

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The situation

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has determined that conditions in Somalia warrant continued Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali citizens.  According to Secretary Kirstjen M. Nielsen, the ongoing armed conflict and other extraordinary conditions that prompted the initial TPS designation continue to pose a serious threat to the personal safety of Somali nationals should they be required to return to their country. 

A closer look

• The TPS designation for Somalia will be extended by 18 months, through March 17, 2020. 
• Somali 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 Somalia’s current designation, individuals must have continuously resided in the United States since May 1, 2012, and been continuously physically present in the United States since September 18, 2012, among other requirements. 

Looking ahead

The extension of TPS for Somalia means that beneficiaries who submit a timely re-registration may continue to work and remain in the United States through March 17, 2020.  Prior to the conclusion of the 18-month extension, the DHS Secretary will review conditions to again determine whether its TPS designation should be extended or terminated.

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

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