Extension and Redesignation of Somalia for TPS

On July 19, 2024, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas announced an 18-month extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalia. This important decision, effective from September 18, 2024, through March 17, 2026, aims to provide relief to Somali nationals amid the ongoing crises in their home country.

Secretary Mayorkas’s decision follows consultations with government officials and thorough consideration of the dire situation in Somalia. The country continues to grapple with severe challenges, including:

• Ongoing Armed Conflict: Persistent violence involving terrorist groups, clan militias, and other factions.

• Natural Disasters: Frequent and severe events such as floods.

• Disease Outbreaks: Widespread health crises exacerbating the humanitarian situation.

• Humanitarian Crisis: Worsening conditions due to food insecurity, displacement, and limited access to essential services.

These factors underscore the need to extend and redesignate Somalia for TPS, ensuring protection for those unable to safely return to their home country.

The extension of TPS for Somalia allows approximately 600 current beneficiaries to retain their status through March 17, 2026, provided they re-register and meet eligibility requirements. Current beneficiaries must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period from July 22, 2024, through September 20, 2024, to maintain their TPS and work authorization. Recognizing potential delays in processing new Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has automatically extended the validity of certain EADs issued under Somalia’s TPS designation through September 17, 2025. This measure ensures that beneficiaries can continue working legally without interruption.

Opportunities and the Application Process for New Applicants

The redesignation opens the door for an estimated 4,300 additional Somali nationals to apply for TPS, provided they meet specific criteria. To qualify, individuals must have established residence in the United States on or before July 12, 2024, and maintained continuous residence since then.

Eligible Somali nationals can submit an initial Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, during the registration period from July 22, 2024, through March 17, 2026. Additionally, they can apply for TPS-related EADs and travel authorization by submitting Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, along with their Form I-821 or at a later date. Applicants must demonstrate continuous residence in the United States since July 12, 2024, and continuous physical presence since September 18, 2024. The application process includes paying the necessary fees or requesting a fee waiver and undergoing security and background checks, including biometrics collection for those aged 14 and older.

USCIS will continue to process pending applications filed under Somalia’s previous TPS designation. Individuals with a pending Form I-821 or Form I-765 as of July 22, 2024, Do not need to reapply. If approved, these individuals will receive TPS and EADs valid through March 17, 2026.

Despite the TPS extension and redesignation, DHS continues to enforce U.S. immigration laws. Following the Securing the Border Presidential Proclamation and Interim Final Rule issued in June 2024, over 50,000 noncitizens have been removed or returned to their home countries. DHS emphasizes that all irregular migration journeys are dangerous and often result in loss of life. Therefore, noncitizens who do not establish a legal basis to remain in the United States will be returned to their countries of origin.

The extension and redesignation of Somalia for TPS is a critical measure to protect Somali nationals in the United States from the dangers they face in their home country. By providing temporary refuge and work authorization, the U.S. government aims to support these individuals during a time of ongoing crisis in Somalia. Eligible Somali nationals should take prompt action to apply for or re-register for TPS to ensure their continued protection and ability to work legally in the United States.

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. The law firm was established in 2012. Ms. Elizee earned her Juris Doctorate at the University of Miami School of Law and her Masters in Law from the University of Washington School of Law.