Immigration Update Pertaining to South Sudan and the Extension and Redesignation for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

On March 2, 2022, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the extension and redesignation of South Sudan for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) through November 3, 2023.

What is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?
The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may designate a foreign country for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) due to conditions in the country that temporarily prevent the country’s nationals from returning safely, or in certain circumstances, where the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals adequately. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may grant TPS to eligible nationals of certain countries (or parts of countries), who are already in the United States. Eligible individuals without nationality who last resided in the designated country may also be granted TPS.

What does this announcement mean?
The extension of TPS for South Sudan allows South Sudanese nationals (and individuals without nationality who last resided in South Sudan) who have already been granted TPS to re-register for TPS from March 3, 2022 through May 3, 2022.

The redesignation of TPS for South Sudan allows South Sudanese nationals (and individuals without nationality who last resided in South Sudan) who have continuously resided in the United States since March 1, 2022 and have had continuous physical presence in the United States since March 3, 2022 to file an initial application for TPS, as long as they meet eligibility requirements. Individuals granted TPS are not removable from the United States, can obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or work permit, Social Security Number, and may be granted travel authorization.

When can I apply for TPS?
Those who already have TPS, must re-register from March 3, 2022 through May 3, 2022. Those applying for TPS for the first time have from March 3, 2022 to November 3, 2023 to do so.

How do I apply?
We recommend consulting a lawyer to determine if you are eligible to apply for TPS and to learn more about what documents you need to include in your application.

If you have questions, please call Catholic Migration Services at (718) 236-3000, extension 2015, extension 2018, or you can e-mail us at immigrationassistance@catholicmigration.org with your name, phone number and the languages you speak.

For additional information, you can also contact Action NYC at (800) 354-0365 – Monday through Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. – to connect with City-funded, free and safe immigration legal help.

Click here to download this update as a PDF: Immigration Update Pertaining to South Sudan and the Extension and Redesignation for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)