The Department of Homeland Security has extended Temporary Protected Status to eligible nationals of South Sudan for an additional 18 months through May 2, 2019.

Key dates and deadlines:

  • Temporary protected status for South Sudan will be extended from Nov. 3, 2017 through May 2, 2019.
  • The 60-day period to reregister for South Sudan TPS or to file a late initial application runs from Sept. 21, 2017 through Nov. 20, 2017.
  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will issue new employment authorization documents (EADs) for eligible South Sudan TPS recipients who timely register and apply for EADs within the reregistration period.
  • To avoid a lapse in EADs, current South Sudan TPS beneficiaries who timely file within the reregistration period will have their EADs automatically extended for 180 days from expiration, i.e., May 1, 2018, while their new EAD is pending.

Background: South Sudan was designated for TPS on Oct. 13, 2011 and was redesignated for TPS on May 3, 2016. Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Elaine Duke has determined that TPS should be extended for an additional 18 months owing to the ongoing civil war in South Sudan.

BAL Analysis: South Sudan TPS beneficiaries should reregister as soon as possible and not wait until their EADs have expired. Employers should be aware of the automatic extension of EADs for current South Sudan TPS beneficiaries who timely file to reregister and apply for an EAD.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact BerryApplemanLeiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2017 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.