Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Designations Announced for Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Sudan
/TPS for Ukraine
The Biden Administration has announced the designation of Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status for a period of 18 months. To be eligible for TPS under the designation for Ukraine, an individual must have continuously resided in the U.S. since March 1, 2022, among other requirements. The publication of the official notice in the Federal Register will provide information about the application process and registration period. Currently, it remains forthcoming.
Links:
USCIS Press Release: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/secretary-mayorkas-designates-ukraine-for-temporary-protected-status-for-18-months
USCIS TPS HomePage:https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status
TPS for Afghanistan
On March 16, 2022, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the designation of Afghanistan for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. Only those individuals who were already residing in the United States as of March 15, 2022, will be eligible for TPS.
The 18-month designation of TPS for Afghanistan will go into effect on the publication date of the forthcoming Federal Register notice. The Federal Register notice will provide instructions for applying for TPS and an Employment Authorization Document.
Links:
USCIS Press Release: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/secretary-mayorkas-designates-afghanistan-for-temporary-protected-status
USCIS TPS Home Page:https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status
TPS for Sudan
On March 2, 2022, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a new designation of Sudan for TPS. Individuals newly eligible for TPS under the Sudan designation must have continuously resided in the United States since March 1, 2022. This includes those who benefited from the previous TPS designation for Sudan, which required continuous residence in the United States on or before January 9, 2013.
Regarding the previous designation of Sudan for TPS, in October 2017, a Federal Register notice announced the termination of Sudan’s TPS designation effective November 2, 2018. However, due to litigation, TPS for Sudan has remained in effect to date. Existing TPS Sudan beneficiaries retain their TPS and TPS-related documents through December 31, 2022, and DHS will continue to extend the benefit and documents, as required by court order. However, these beneficiaries are also strongly encouraged to register under the new designation of Sudan to receive TPS benefits for the full 18-month period. Individuals will need to file a new application to register for TPS to avoid losing TPS or experiencing a gap in coverage.
The Federal Register notice for Sudan is forthcoming. Federal Register notices include instructions for applying for TPS and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Links:
