On Thursday, January 12, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security announced the extension and redesignation of Somalia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. This extension and redesignation will be effective from March 18, 2023, through September 17, 2024.
What is the Impact?
- The extension of Somalia for TPS allows approximately 430 current beneficiaries to retain TPS through September 17, 2024, as long as they meet TPS eligibility requirements.
- The re-designation of TPS for Somalia allows approximately 2,200 Somali nationals (or individuals who have no nationality who last habitually resided in Somalia) who have resided in the United States as of January 11, 2023, to file initial applications to obtain TPS if they are otherwise eligible.
- A soon-to-be-published Federal Register notice will explain the eligibility criteria, timelines, and procedures necessary for current beneficiaries to re-register and renew Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) and for new applicants to submit an initial application under the redesignation and apply for an EAD.
Erickson Insights
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.