DHS Announces Extensions and Redesignations of TPS for Somalia, Yemen, and Haiti Amid Ongoing Crises

Significant Extensions and Redesignations for TPS

In an important update from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), several countries have seen renewed and extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations. This move aims to offer temporary relief to citizens of Somalia, Yemen, and Haiti who are already residing in the United States.

TPS for Somalia, Yemen, and Haiti

The DHS has announced an extension and redesignation of TPS for Somalia, from September 18, 2024, through March 17, 2026. This extension is in response to the ongoing armed conflict and widespread insecurity that make it unsafe for Somali nationals to return to their home country.

Similarly, Yemen’s TPS has been extended and redesigned for an identical 18-month period, from September 4, 2024, through March 3, 2026. The rationale for this extension includes continued armed conflict and extraordinary conditions making return to Yemen perilous.

Haiti has also seen its TPS extended and redesignated from August 4, 2024, through February 3, 2026, due to severe and temporary conditions that continue to plague the country.

Facilitating Processes for Affected Individuals

To support those affected, DHS has laid out clear eligibility requirements and guidelines. Individuals with pending applications under the previous TPS designations do not need to refile. For those needing to re-register or apply initially, they must adhere to the designated registration periods.

Importantly, Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for TPS beneficiaries will be automatically extended for the duration of the TPS period. This ensures that those under TPS can continue working legally without interruption.

Beyond the TPS extensions, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be opening a new international field office in Quito, Ecuador, effective September 10, 2024. This facility aims to increase refugee processing capacity and help reunite families separated by difficult circumstances.

Further Initiatives and Requirements

In a bold step towards maintaining family unity, DHS has also rolled out a process enabling certain noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to seek parole. This initiative underscores the agency’s commitment to keeping families together amidst challenging immigration landscapes.

For new TPS applicants, continuous residence and physical presence in the United States since specific dates are prerequisites. For instance, Yemeni beneficiaries must have continuously resided in the U.S. since July 2, 2024, and been physically present since September 4, 2024. Those meeting these conditions can look forward to detailed and clear procedural guidelines published in the Federal Register Notices.

The Federal Register Notices contain essential information on registration periods, work authorization, and various detailed steps involved in the TPS application process. These updates reflect an ongoing commitment to providing temporary relief and ensuring the safety of individuals from affected regions.