On Friday, December 30, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security announced the extension and redesignation of Yemen for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. This extension and redesignation will be effective from March 4, 2023, through Sept. 3, 2024.
What is the Impact?
- The extension of Yemen for TPS allows approximately 1,700 current beneficiaries to retain TPS through September 3, 2024, as long as they meet TPS eligibility requirements.
- The re-designation of TPS for Yemen allows approximately 1,200 Yemeni nationals (or individuals who have no nationality who last habitually resided in Yemen) who have resided in the United States since December 29, 2022, to file initial applications to obtain TPS if they are otherwise eligible.
- Current beneficiaries re-registering under the extension of TPS for Yemen should re-regispromptlynner during the 60-day registration period, from Jan. 3, 2023, through March 4, 2023. DHS recognizes that not all re-registrants may receive a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before their current EAD expires on March 3, 2023, and is automatically extending through March 3, 2024, the validity of certain EADs previously issued under the TPS designation of Yemen.
- New applicants for TPS under the redesignation of Yemen must submit Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, during the initial registration period that runs from January 3, 2023, through September 3, 2024. Yemen TPS applicants may file Form I-821 online. Applicants can also request an EAD by submitting a completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with their Form I-821, or separately later. Applicants may also submit Form I-765 online.
USCIS will continue to process pending applications filed under Yemen’s previous TPS designation. Individuals with a pending Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, or a related Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, do not need to file either application again. If USCIS approves a pending Form I-821 or Form I-765 filed under the previous designation of TPS for Yemen, USCIS will grant the individual TPS through Sept. 3, 2024, and issue an EAD valid through the same date.
The Federal Register Notice explains the eligibility criteria, timelines, and procedures necessary for current beneficiaries to re-register and renew EADs, and for new applicants to submit an initial application under the redesignation and apply for an EAD.
Background
Currently, the following countries are designated for TPS: Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Cameroon, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela, and 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.