DHS Extends Temporary Protected Status for Sudan and South Sudan

DHS Extends Temporary Protected Status for Sudan and South Sudan

On September 2, 2014, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson announced that he would extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for eligible nationals of Sudan for an additional 18 months, effective Nov. 3, 2014, through May 2, 2016. He also announced re-designation of South Sudan for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and extension of the existing TPS designation for the country from Nov. 3, 2014, through May 2, 2016. This allows eligible nationals of South Sudan (or persons without nationality who last habitually resided in South Sudan) to register or re-register for TPS. Current Sudanese and South Sudanese beneficiaries seeking to extend their TPS status must re-register during a 60-day period that runs from Sept. 2, 2014, through Nov. 3, 2014. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) encourages beneficiaries to re-register as soon as possible once the 60-day period begins.

The extension of TPS for Sudan is based on ongoing armed conflict in that region and the continuation of extraordinary and temporary conditions that led to the country’s most recent TPS designation in 2013. Secretary Johnson determined that extending the designation is warranted based on Department of Homeland Security and Department of State reviews of country conditions conducted during the past year.

The 18-month extension also allows TPS re-registrants to apply for a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Eligible Sudan TPS beneficiaries who re-register during the 60-day period and request a new EAD will receive one with an expiration date of May 2, 2016. USCIS recognizes that some re-registrants may not receive their new EADs until after their current EADs expire. Therefore, USCIS is automatically extending current TPS Sudan EADs bearing a Nov. 2, 2014, expiration date for an additional six months. These existing EADs are now valid through May 2, 2015.

DHS anticipates that there are approximately 600 individuals who will be eligible to re-register for TPS under the existing designation of Sudan.

During the past year, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State reviewed the conditions in South Sudan. Based upon this review, Secretary Johnson determined that a re-designation and 18-month extension of TPS for South Sudan is warranted due to the significant deterioration of conditions in that country and the inability of its nationals to return in safety. The extension and re-designation of South Sudan for TPS are based on ongoing armed conflict in that country and the continuation of extraordinary and temporary conditions that led to the country’s most recent TPS designation in 2013. South Sudanese nationals, or persons having no nationality who last habitually resided in South Sudan, may be eligible for TPS under the re-designation if they continuously resided in the United States since Sept. 2, 2014, and have been continuously physically present in the United States since November 3, 2014. In addition, applicants must meet all other TPS eligibility and filing requirements. The 18-month extension allows TPS re-registrants to apply for a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Eligible South Sudan TPS beneficiaries who re-register during the 60-day period and request a new EAD will receive one with an expiration date of May 2, 2016. USCIS recognizes that some re-registrants may not receive their new EADs until after their current EADs expire. Therefore, USCIS is automatically extending current TPS South Sudan EADs bearing a Nov. 2, 2014, expiration date for an additional six months. These existing EADs are now valid through May 2, 2015. DHS anticipates that there are approximately 20 individuals who will be eligible to re-register for TPS under the existing designation of South Sudan and estimates that between 300 to 500 additional individuals might be eligible for TPS under the re-designation.

Additional information on TPS for Sudan, South Sudan, and other countries – including guidance on eligibility, the application process, and where to file – is available online at www.uscis.gov/tps.

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