The Department of Homeland Security will extend and redesignate Syria for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months, from April 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2025.

Key Points:

  • The extension will allow currently eligible Syrian TPS beneficiaries to retain TPS through Sept. 30, 2025, provided they continue to meet eligibility requirements.
  • The redesignation of TPS for Syria will allow Syrian nationals or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Syria to file initial applications if they have continuously resided in the United States since Jan. 25, 2024. Syrian nationals who were not residing in the United States as of Jan. 25 are not eligible for TPS.
  • DHS published a Federal Register notice explaining the procedures necessary to re-register or submit an initial registration application and apply for an Employment Authorization Document.

Additional Information: Existing TPS beneficiaries who wish to extend their status through Sept. 30, 2025, must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period. In addition to demonstrating continuous residence in the United States since Jan. 25, 2024, and meeting other eligibility criteria, initial applicants for TPS under this designation must demonstrate that they have been continuously physically present in the United States since April 1, 2024, the redesignation effective date.

BAL Analysis: Syria was initially designated for TPS on March 29, 2012, on the basis of extraordinary and temporary conditions that prevented nationals from returning safely. The decision to extend TPS for Syrian nationals was made due to a longstanding conflict, along with natural disasters and disease outbreaks, DHS said. The extension and redesignation will allow additional eligible Syrian nationals to apply or reapply for TPS and EADs.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.

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