DHS Re-Designates Somalia For TPS

The Department of Homeland Security has extended and re-designated Somalia for Temporary Protected status. The extension is for 18 months, from September 18, 2021 to March 17, 2023. TPS is granted to certain groups of people in the wake of natural disasters, wars, outbreaks of disease, and other catastrophes that would make it difficult for them to return safely to their home countries. Government officials periodically review the program to decide whether to extend it, and most groups have received regular extensions in the past.

Current Somali TPS beneficiaries will have 60 days from July 22 to September 20, 2021 to request the 18 months extension and work authorization. New applicants will have the full length of the re-designation period, from July 22, 2021 through March 17, 2023, to file for TPS status and for related employment authorization documents (EADs) and travel permission. Somali nationals can apply for this designation if they can demonstrate that they have had continuous residence in the United States since July 19, 2021, and that they have been continuously physically present in the United States since September 18, 2021. Click here to learn more about TPS.