American Government Extends Syrians' Temporary Protected Status

The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Syrians residing in the U.S. has been renewed by the U.S. government for an extra 18 months. The extension was allowed “due to ongoing military conflict and unusual and temporary circumstances in Syria that preclude persons from safely returning,” according to a statement released by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Friday.

In response to the ongoing confrontation and circumstances in Syria that prevent people from safely returning, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced in a Federal Register notice that Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for eligible Syrians already living in the United States would be extended for an additional 18 months, from October 1, 2022, to March 31, 2024. In addition, TPS was also reclassified for the same criteria, making Syrians living in the U.S. qualified for it as of July 28, 2022.

You may also like:

The civil war has led to widespread infrastructure devastation, mass civilian migration, severe food insecurity, restricted access to water and medical care, and the arbitrary and intentional slaughter of civilians. In addition, Syria is still embroiled in violence, political unrest, and economic unrest more than ten years after the rebellion that started the war, all of which have worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. These circumstances make it unsafe for people to return.

Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas stated, “We are dedicated to protecting Syrian nationals in the United States as the continuing civil war in Syria proceeds, resulting in continuing damage and suffering.” As it is still unsafe to allow them to travel to their homeland, Syrian nationals who are already residents of the United States as of July 28, 2022, will be allowed to stay.

If they satisfy the TPS eligibility standards, roughly 6,448 current recipients of TPS for Syria may continue to receive benefits through March 31, 2024. The redesignation of Syria is anticipated to make an extra 960 people potentially qualified for TPS. This group includes Syrian nationals living in the United States with nonimmigrant status or even without immigration status (as well as non-citizens who last remained in Syria).

To ensure they maintain their TPS and work permit without a lapse, current beneficiaries re-registering under the renewal of TPS for Syria must do so promptly during the 60-day re-registration period from August 1, 2022, to September 30, 2022.

Recognizing that not all re-registrants will acquire new Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) before their present EADs expire on September 30, 2022, DHS is automatically extending the duration of certain EADs previously issued under Syria’s TPS designation. It includes those having an EAD expiration date of September 30, 2022; March 31, 2021; September 30, 2019; or March 31, 2018) to September 30, 2023.

Form I-821, Petition for Temporary Protected Status, must be submitted by newly eligible individuals seeking TPS under the reclassification of Syria between August 1, 2022, and March 31, 2024. Candidates for the Syria TPS are qualified to submit Form I-821 online. In addition, when completing a signed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and Form I-821, when completing a TPS application, candidates can also ask for an Employment Authorization Document. Form I-765 may also be submitted online by applicants.

The eligibility requirements, deadlines, and processes required for current beneficiaries to re-register and renew EADs, as well as for new applicants to complete an initial application under the redesignation and apply for an EAD, are described in the Federal Register notice.

Check out latest U.S Immigration News here!

Get the latest Canada Immigration News here!