On Thursday, March 3, 2022, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced the extension and redesignation of South Sudan for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. This extension and redesignation will be in effect from May 3, 2022, through November 3, 2023.
What is the Impact?
- The extension of South Sudan for TPS allows current beneficiaries to retain TPS through November 3, 2023, as long as they meet TPS eligibility requirements.
- The re-designation of TPS for South Sudan allows South Sudanese nationals (or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in South Sudan) who have continuously resided in the United States since March 1, 2022, to file initial applications to obtain TPS if they are otherwise eligible.
- Current beneficiaries re-registering under the extension of TPS for South Sudan should re-register in a timely manner during the 60-day registration period, ending on May 2, 2022.
- Under the redesignation, individuals who do not have TPS may apply during the initial registration period from March 3, 2022, through the full length of the redesignation period ending November 3, 2023.
- Applicants are also eligible to apply for TPS-related Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) and travel authorization.
More information is available in the Federal Register notice explaining the procedures necessary to re-register or submit an initial registration application and apply for an EAD.
Background
Currently, the following countries are designated for TPS: Burma (Myanmar), El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen.
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to share updates as more news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting or case-specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.