DHS Extends and Redesignates Somalia for TPS

The Department of Homeland Security announced on December 30, 2022that Somalia designation for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is extended for 18 months from March 18, 2023 to September 17, 2024 due to the longstanding conflict, along with natural disasters and disease outbreaks in Somalia. TPS is granted to certain groups of people in the wake of natural disasters, wars, outbreaks of disease, and other catastrophes that would make it difficult for them to return safely to their home countries. Government officials periodically review the program to decide whether to extend it, and most groups have received regular extensions in the past. Please click here to learn more about TPS.

Individuals eligible for TPS extension must have continuously resided in the United States since July 19, 2021 and have been continuously physically present in the US since September 18, 2021. Applicants may also apply for EADs and for travel authorization during this time by submitting the corresponding forms and fee(s) or fee waiver request, during the 18-month registration period. Furthermore, Somalia was redesignated for TPS protection allowing Initial applicants who have never possessed TPS status to for initial TPS protection if they had continuously resided in United States since January 11, 2023.