United States: DHS to Extend and Redesignate Somalia for Temporary Protected Status
January 12, 2023
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At a glance
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced an 18-month extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalia, through September 17, 2024.
- DHS is also redesignating Somalia for TPS, allowing Somali nationals residing in the United States as of January 11, 2023 to apply for initial TPS.
- Details on applying for TPS under the extension and redesignation will be contained in an upcoming Federal Register notice.
The issue
Due to the continuing crisis in Somalia, DHS is extending its 2021 designation of TPS for Somalia by an additional 18 months, from March 18, 2023, through September 17, 2024.
DHS has also announced that it is redesignating Somalia for TPS, allowing Somali nationals residing in the United States as of January 11, 2023, to apply for initial TPS, provided they meet all eligibility requirements. Somalis entering the United States after January 11, 2023 are not eligible for TPS.
A closer look
- Current Somali TPS beneficiaries will need to re-register to extend their status and work authorization, and newly eligible Somalis residing in the United States as of January 11, 2023, will need to apply for initial TPS and employment authorization within the designated registration period.
- DHS will announce the re-registration and initial registration periods and provide details on the eligibility criteria and application process in an upcoming Federal Register notice.
Looking ahead
The extension and redesignation of Somalia for TPS means that qualifying beneficiaries who timely submit initial or re-registration applications may remain in the United States and obtain work authorization through September 17, 2024. Prior to the conclusion of the 18-month extension and redesignation, DHS will review conditions to again determine whether its TPS designation should be extended or terminated.
Fragomen will provide an update when DHS issues the Federal Register notice designating the re-registration and initial registration periods and providing details on the eligibility criteria and application process.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
