Extension and Redesignation of Somalia for Temporary Protected Status

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of Somalia due to ongoing armed conflict, public health crises, and food security challenges in Somalia.  TPS has been extended for an additional 18 months to September 17, 2024.  Somali nationals who currently benefit from TPS must re-register between March 13, 2023 through May 12, 2023 in order to extend their TPS status to September 17, 2024. 

DHS also has “redesignated” Somalia for TPS, which means that additional Somali nationals may benefit from TPS if they have been continuously residing in the United States since January 11, 2023. The registration period opened on March 13, 2023, and will remain open until September 17, 2024.  USCIS estimates that over 2,000 Somalis will be eligible under the redesignation of TPS. Eligible individuals can apply online here. 

Somalia was originally designated for TPS on September 16, 1991, due to the civil war and extraordinary humanitarian crisis in Somalia.  TPS has been extended for nationals of Somalia in 18-month increments since that time.  It also has been redesignated every ten years (first in September 2001, then May 2012, and most recently in March 2023). 

By way of background, the US government grants TPS to nationals of a country if the following temporary conditions exist in their home country: 1) ongoing armed conflict (such as civil war); 2) an environmental disaster (such as an earthquake or hurricane) or epidemic; or 3) other extraordinary and temporary conditions. Beneficiaries of TPS are not automatically granted work and travel permission, but can apply for these separately with Form I-765 and Form I-131.  

This alert is for informational purposes only.  Please contact us if you would like to discuss this development further.