Click here to download this update as a PDF: Immigration Update Pertaining to Syria and the Extension and Redesignation for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Immigration Update Pertaining to Syria and the Extension and Redesignation for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
IMMIGRATION UPDATE AS OF: Monday, October 31, 2022
Immigration Update Pertaining to Syria and the Extension and Redesignation for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) extended and redesignated Syria for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) through March 31, 2024.
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 Syria allows Syrian nationals (and individuals without nationality who last resided in Syria) who have already been granted TPS to re-register for TPS from August 1, 2022 through September 30, 2022.
The redesignation of TPS for Syria allows Syrian nationals (and individuals without nationality who last resided in Syria) who have continuously resided in the United States since July 28, 2022 and have had continuous physical presence in the United States since October 1, 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 during a 60-day period from August 1, 2022 through September 30, 2022. Those applying for TPS for the first time have from October 1, 2022 to March 31, 2024 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.
For more information about TPS and referrals to free legal service providers, you can call the New Americans Hotline at (800) 566-7636, Monday through Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
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.