Temporary Protected Status Extended for Syrian Nationals

On August 1, 2019, the Department of Homeland Security announced that temporary protected status (TPS) for Syrian nationals will be extended to March 31, 2021. Syrian nationals will be required to re-register to extend their work and travel benefits, the details of which have not been released at this time. This means that the Syrian nationals who came to the United States under TPS due to the ongoing armed conflict can legally stay and work in the country for another year and half. However, this extension is only for Syrian nationals who have continuously resided in the United States since August 1, 2016 and have been continuously physically present in the U.S. since October 1, 2016. Any Syrian nationals who arrived afterwards or have left in between will be forced to leave after their current visas expire.

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. To learn more about TPS, please click here.