DHS announced the Extension of Re-Registration Periods for the TPS Designations of El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a temporary immigration status granted by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to individuals who are unable to return home safely due civil war, natural disaster, or other conditions or circumstances preventing their return to their home country. During the designated TPS period, TPS holders cannot be deported from the United States and cannot be detained by DHS on the basis of their immigration status. TPS holders are eligible for an employment authorization document (EAD) and for travel authorization.

TPS can be granted to an individual who is a national of a designated country, has filed for status during a specified registration period, and who has been continuously physically present in the U.S. since a designated date.

Extension of Re-Registration Periods for Extensions of the Temporary Protected Status Designations of El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan.

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas, announced on June 13, 2023 that he would rescind the cancellation of the TPS designations of El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua made by the last administration, and would extend the designations of these countries to the TPS for 18 months. Redesignation periods under these TPS designations were originally set at 60 days; however, DHS reassessed the length of the re-enrollment period due to the unique circumstances surrounding these designations. On September 8, 2023, DHS announced the extension of the reregistration periods for these six TPS designations for the full duration of the TPS designation extension.

On December 13, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially confirmed the extensions of the re-registration periods for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan in line with the September announcement.  The re-registration period for each country has been extended from the standard 60 days to the full duration of their current TPS designation extension. Those beneficiaries must re-register to receive TPS benefits under the most recent extensions.

The 18-month re-registration period for current TPS beneficiaries under the designation of: 

El Salvador

Reconsideration and Rescission of Termination of the Designation of El Salvador for Temporary Protected Status; Extension of the Temporary Protected Status Designation for El Salvador. The 18-month re-registration period now runs from July 12, 2023, through March 9, 2025.

Haiti

Extension and Redesignation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status, re-registration period now runs from January 26, 2023, through August 3, 2024.

Honduras

Reconsideration and Rescission of Termination of the Designation of Honduras for Temporary Protected Status; Extension of the Temporary Protected Status Designation for Honduras, 18-month re-registration period now runs from November 6, 2023, through July 5, 2025.

Nepal

Reconsideration and Rescission of Termination of the Designation of Nepal for Temporary Protected Status; Extension of the Temporary Protected Status Designation for Nepal, the 18-month re-registration period now runs from October 24, 2023, through June 24, 2025.

Nicaragua

Reconsideration and Rescission of Termination of the Designation of Nicaragua for Temporary Protected Status; Extension of the Temporary Protected Status Designation for Nicaragua, re-registration period now runs from November 6, 2023, through July 5, 2025.

Sudan

Extension and Redesignation of Sudan for Temporary Protected Status,  re-registration period now runs from August 21, 2023, through April 19, 2025.

Extending the reregistration period will allow current TPS beneficiaries to file Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, at any time during the full extensions of these six countries' TPS designations. These individuals may also file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), if desired, during the entire extension period.

This announcement does not change the previously announced extensions of the TPS designations for these six countries, and it does not change the eligibility requirements. This re-registration extension is solely for TPS beneficiaries who properly filed for TPS during a previous registration period.

TPS has many eligibility requirements, so it is extremely important to consult a competent and experienced immigration attorney. Email Elizee Law Firm at intro@elizeelawfirm.com,  our skilled immigration lawyers can answer any questions about TPS and guide you through every step of the process. For more information on how we can assist you, please visit our website at www.elizeelawfirm.com

Patricia Elizee is the managing partner of the Elizee Law Firm, an immigration law firm located at 1110 Brickell Avenue, Suite 315, Miami, Florida 33131. Phone 305-371-8846