Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas has announced the extension and redesignation of Somalia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for an additional 18 months. This period will run from September 18, 2024, to March 17, 2026, due to persistent conditions in Somalia that make safe return impossible.
After consulting with interagency partners, Secretary Mayorkas concluded that extending and redesignating Somalia for TPS is essential. The country is plagued by ongoing armed conflict, widespread insecurity, and violence, which have resulted in civilian abuse and displacement. Additionally, Somalia faces severe flooding, food insecurity, disease outbreaks, and significant barriers to humanitarian aid.
“Armed conflict and widespread insecurity have harmed and displaced civilians in Somalia for years, exacerbated today by the ravages of famine, disease, and extreme weather,” said Secretary Mayorkas. “Granting protection through Temporary Protected Status ensures that Somalis already in the United States can reside and work here while these deteriorated conditions in Somalia continue.”
Extension of TPS:
The TPS extension allows approximately 600 current beneficiaries to retain their status through March 17, 2026, provided they continue to meet TPS eligibility requirements. To maintain their TPS and employment authorization, current beneficiaries must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period from July 22, 2024, through September 20, 2024.
Redesignation of TPS:
The redesignation permits an estimated 4,300 additional Somali nationals (or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Somalia) to apply for TPS. To be eligible, individuals must have established residence in the United States on or before July 12, 2024, and maintained continuous residence since then.
A Federal Register notice will provide detailed information about registering for TPS as a new or current beneficiary under Somalia’s extension and redesignation. This notice will explain eligibility criteria, timelines, and procedures necessary for current beneficiaries to re-register and renew Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) and for new applicants to submit initial applications under the redesignation.
Special Student Relief:
The announcement also includes a Special Student Relief notice for F-1 nonimmigrant students from Somalia. Eligible students may request employment authorization, work increased hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while maintaining F-1 status through the TPS designation period.
EAD Validity Extension:
To address potential delays, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is automatically extending the validity of certain EADs issued under Somalia’s TPS designation through September 17, 2025.
Processing of Pending Applications:
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will continue to process pending applications filed under previous TPS designations for Somalia. Individuals with pending Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, or related Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, as of July 22, 2024, do not need to refile. Approved applications will be granted TPS through March 17, 2026, with corresponding EADs valid through the same date.
New Applications:
Under the redesignation, eligible individuals who do not currently have TPS may submit an initial Form I-821 during the registration period from July 22, 2024, through March 17, 2026. Applicants can also apply for TPS-related EADs and travel authorization by submitting Form I-765 with their Form I-821 or separately later.
Enforcement of U.S. Laws:
Since the issuance of the Securing the Border Presidential Proclamation and Interim Final Rule in early June, over 50,000 noncitizens have been removed or returned to more than 100 countries. DHS emphasizes that all irregular migration journeys are extremely dangerous and often result in loss of life. The department will continue to enforce U.S. laws and return noncitizens who do not establish a legal basis to remain in the United States.
This extension and redesignation of TPS for Somalia highlight the U.S. government’s ongoing commitment to humanitarian protection and support for vulnerable populations affected by crises worldwide.
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