DHS Extends TPS Designation for Somalia

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended the designation of Somalia for temporary protected status (TPS) for 18 months, from its current expiration date of March 17, 2011, through September 17, 2012. DHS determined that an 18-month extension is warranted because conditions in Somalia prompting the TPS designation continue to exist. Armed conflict in Somalia is ongoing. Due to that conflict and “other extraordinary and temporary conditions,” requiring the return of eligible individuals with TPS to Somalia “would pose a serious threat to their personal safety,” the agency said.

The notice also sets forth procedures necessary for nationals of Somalia (or those having no nationality who last habitually resided in Somalia) with TPS to re-register and to apply for an extension of their employment authorization documents (EADs) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Re-registration is limited to persons who previously registered for TPS under the designation of Somalia and whose applications have been granted or remain pending. Certain nationals of Somalia (or those having no nationality who last habitually resided in Somalia) who have not previously applied for TPS may be eligible to apply under the late initial registration provisions.

USCIS will issue new EADs with a September 17, 2012, expiration date to eligible TPS beneficiaries who timely re-register and apply for EADs. The 60-day re-registration period begins November 2, 2010, and will run until January 3, 2011.

The USCIS notice is available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-27613.pdf. A related Q&A is available at this site. Additional information on TPS for Somalians can be found here