The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced an 18-month extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to eligible beneficiaries from six countries: El Salvador, Haiti, Nicaragua, Sudan, Honduras, and Nepal. TPS status for the aforementioned beneficiaries was set to expire on December 31, 2022, however, with the extension, they will now retain TPS status through June 30, 2024. 

 

 

One of the most important facts to know about the recent extension of TPS is that it doesn’t apply to all the recipients from Haiti and Sudan; rather, it only applies to beneficiaries of the 2011 Haiti designation and the 2013 Sudan designation. Individuals granted TPS under the 2011 Haiti designation and the 2013 Sudan designation may also apply under the more recent 2021 Haiti and 2022 Sudan designation. 

 

Anyone from Haiti who has continuously resided in the U.S. since July 29, 2021, is eligible to apply for the new TPS designation—the registration period closes on February 3, 2023.

Anyone from Sudan who has continuously resided in the U.S. since March 1, 2022, is eligible to apply for the new TPS designation—the registration period closes on October 19, 2023.

 

Those under the 2011 Haiti and 2013 Sudan designations may want to consider applying under the more recent designation. It’s advised that they speak with an immigration attorney to discuss their specific situation before making any decisions. 

 

 

The recent extension also automatically extends the expiration of all TPS-related documentation, including: 

 

 

More simply, those covered under the latest TPS extension are not required to reregister to maintain their status. 

 

 

TPS is granted by DHS to eligible foreign-born individuals who are unable to return to their home country safely due to circumstances such as an ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or epidemic. TPS holders are able to live and work in the U.S. for a designated period of time, although it does not provide a pathway to permanent residence. DHS must periodically review TPS status and can choose to extend it for periods of six to 18 months, provided conditions in the country continue to meet the requirements for designation. 

 

 

Whether you’re a business that has questions about how the extension of TPS status affects I-9 compliance or an individual trying to understand what this means for your unique situation, GoffWilson has the answers. GoffWilson solely practices immigration law and has been helping businesses and individuals navigate complex and ever-changing immigration laws for more than three decades. Contact GoffWilson today and learn how we can help you.