Temporary protected status (TPS) for Somalia has been extended for an additional 18 months, prolonging the program from September 17, 2018, to March 17, 2020. Somalia was originally granted TPS in 1991 and was redesignated for TPS in 2012 because of widespread armed conflict. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued an announcement citing “the ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions” as justification for the extension of TPS for Somalia. According to DHS, there are approximately 500 Somali TPS beneficiaries.
In order to maintain TPS status through the 2020 end date, eligible Somali TPS beneficiaries must reregister during the designated reregistration period. Information about the reregistration process and employment authorization is expected in the coming weeks and will be found in the Federal Register or on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
Ogletree Deakins’ Immigration Practice Group will continue to monitor developments with respect to TPS programs and will post updates on the Immigration blog as additional information becomes available.
