DHS Extends Temporary Protection Status for Syria

Beginning on August 1, 2016, the Department of Homeland Security notified the public that Syria will have an extended temporary protected status from October 1, 2016, through March 31, 2017. Those eligible include current TPS beneficiaries from Syria or Syrian nationals without a nationality who last habitually resided in Syria. Syrian citizens who are currently registered for the TPS are required to re-register between August 1, 2016, and September 31, 2016.

By extending temporary protection status for Syrian nationals through March 31, beneficiaries are given the ability to apply for the employment authorization document. This document allows Syrian nationals to work while they are in the United States. If a beneficiary is not a Syrian national but last resided in Syria, they can also apply for the employment authorization document. Those individuals must apply within the 180-day window for registration that began on August 1, 2016, and ends January 30, 2017.

The DHS understands that some may be unable to pay the fees associated with this application process and informs potential beneficiaries that if they are unable to pay, to file form I-912 “Request for Fee Waiver.”

Understanding TPS

The Department of Homeland Security designates foreign countries for temporary protection status because the conditions in that country are either temporarily unsafe, or otherwise unfit for habitation. Reasons the US has designated foreign countries as TPS include:

  • Armed conflict
  • Civil War
  • Natural Disaster
  • Epidemic or Disease

If a country’s nationals are residing in the United States during a time where their country is designated as under temporary protection status, they cannot be removed from the U.S and can be granted authorization to travel.

It is important to understand that TPS status does not grant the beneficiary permanent legal status in the United States. If you plan on staying in the United States, the skilled legal team at Kanu & Associates, P.C. can help you navigate through the immigration process. At Kanu & Associates, P.C., we understand what you are going through. As first generation immigrants, our team understands the stress and emotions you are experiencing during this time, which is why we offer a unique, compassionate perspective other law firms simply cannot provide. Contact our Phoenix immigration lawyers today for the answers to any immigration questions.