Temporary Protected Status Extended for Somalis Until September 17, 2015

The Department of Homeland Security has extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for eligible Somalis until September 17, 2015, effective March 18, 2014.  Current beneficiaries seeking to re-register must do so during the re-registration period running from November 1, 2013 until December 31, 2013.  Any Somali seeking initial registration during this period must meet the requirements for filing late as specified by the Dept. of Homeland Security.

The 18-month extension allows TPS re-registrants to apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).  Those Somalis eligible for EAD and who apply during the 60-day re-registration period will receive a new EAD that will expire on September 17, 2015.  Re-registrants who apply for the TPS extension who do not want an EAD will not have to pay the EAD costs, but are required to file an I-765.

Remember, to qualify for re-registration an applicant must have been continuously physically present in the U.S. since September 18, 2012, and have been continuously residing in the U.S. since May 1, 2012.