Title: DHS Extends and Redesignates Somalia for Temporary Protected Status: Registration Opens for Eligible Individuals

WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially extended and redesignated Somalia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) through a Federal Register notice, spanning 18 months from March 18, 2023, to September 17, 2024. This announcement, made by Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas on Jan. 12, aims to provide crucial information on the TPS registration process for Somalia's redesignation.

Starting March 13, the registration period opens for all individuals seeking TPS under Somalia's new designation. The extension allows approximately 430 existing beneficiaries to maintain TPS status until September 17, 2024, provided they re-register and continue to meet eligibility criteria. Additionally, the redesignation enables an estimated 2,200 additional Somali nationals or those with no nationality who last habitually resided in Somalia, continuously residing in the U.S. since Jan. 11, 2023, and physically present since March 18, 2023, to submit initial TPS applications, if eligible.

Re-registration is limited to those who were previously granted TPS under Somalia's prior designation. Current beneficiaries must re-register during the 60-day period from March 13, 2023, through May 12, 2023, to ensure the continuation of their TPS and work authorization. Recognizing potential delays, DHS automatically extends the validity of certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) issued under Somalia's TPS designation through March 17, 2024.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will process pending applications under Somalia's previous TPS designation. Individuals with pending Form I-821 or Form I-765 as of March 13, 2023, need not refile. If USCIS approves a pending application, the individual will be granted TPS through Sept. 17, 2024, with an EAD valid through the same date.

Eligible individuals without TPS may submit an initial Form I-821 during the registration period from March 13, 2023, through Sept. 17, 2024, under Somalia's redesignation. Applicants can also apply for TPS-related EADs and travel authorization by submitting Form I-765 along with Form I-821 or separately at a later stage.

For detailed eligibility criteria, timelines, and procedures, refer to the Federal Register notice.