On January 12, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended the current Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalia for another 18 months, beginning March 18, 2023 to September 17, 2024. DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas also announced the redesignation of Somalia for TPS, which will allow eligible Somali citizens (and individuals that last resided in Somalia) who have continuously lived in the United States since January 11, 2023 to apply for TPS with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) until September 17, 2024. Somalis that enter the United States after January 11, 2023 are not eligible for TPS.
TPS is a temporary immigration status giving noncitizens the right to stay in the United States due to situations in the designated country that prevent persons from returning.
Violence due to terrorism, crime, and fighting among clan militias continues to take place in Somalia. Additionally, the ongoing famine, drought, and disease outbreaks have worsened the humanitarian crisis in the country, stopping Somalis from returning safely.
The USCIS is expected to release a notice to explain the eligibility criteria, timelines, and procedures for current Somali beneficiaries to renew their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and for new applicants to submit an initial application under the redesignation and to apply for an EAD.
If you have any questions regarding Somalia’s redesignation for TPS, or any immigration matter, please do not hesitate to contact KILO Immigration, a Sacramento law firm, by filling out this contact form.