Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Extended for Somalians

The Department of Homeland Security will extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of Somalia until March 17, 2011. TPS for Somalians was previously scheduled to expire on September 17, 2009. The Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, has reviewed the country’s conditions and determined that the 18-month extension is necessary because of the ongoing armed conflict in Somalia.

Individuals who have already been granted TPS are eligible to re-register and maintain their status for an additional 18 months. Certain Somalis may be eligible for late initial registration if they meet the regulatory criteria. TPS does not apply to Somalians who entered the U.S. after September 4, 2001.

In order to be eligible for an extension of TPS status, Somalians who have been granted TPS must re-register during the 60-day registration period, which began on July 27, 2009 and is ongoing until September 24, 2009. Somali TPS beneficiaries are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible.

The U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS() recognizes this short window of time in which to re-register, and therefore,  has automatically extended the validity of EADs for eligible Somali TPS beneficiaries for six months through March 17, 2010.

Contact the attorneys at Harrison Alo, Attorneys at Law if you are a citizen of Somalia and have questions about your eligibility for the TPS extension.