Somalia TPS Program Extended
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) For Somalia, our country’s oldest TPS program, has been extended until March 14, 20014.
According to Janet Napolitano, head of the U.S Department of Homeland Security Secretary:
“Somalia remains in a state of chaos characterized by the lack of a central government, a crippled economy, the absence of social structures, destruction of infrastructure, and generalized insecurity in the form of banditry, kidnapping, looting, revenge killings, targeted assassinations, suicide car-bombings, and inter-clan fighting.”
Based on this review, the Department of Homeland Security determined the 18-month extension was appropriate.
A special humanitarian program, Temporary Protected Status was created in 1990.
The policy behind TPS is to provide immigrants with a temporary safe harbor while they are not capable of returning safely to their home country due to armed conflict like war, an environmental disaster, war, and other extraordinary severe conditions.
Somalia Temporary Protected Status History
On September 16, 1991, Somalia was designated for TPS status for the first time. Since that time, extensions of TPS protections have been granted several times.
In 2001, Somalia was re-designated for TPS. This is the ninth extension of TPS for Somalia since the 2001 redesignation.
Under TPS, each new period of authorization is limited to 18 months.
The current re-registration period runs from May 1, 2012 to July 2, 2012. On that date, if you’re from Somalia, your TPS and work permits will expire.
However, Somalians who are seeking TPS for the first time can register from May 1, 2012 to October 29, 2012.
The latest extension will last from the current expiration date of September 17, 2012 to March 17, 2014, the new expiration date.
This long-term temporary status raises questions whether the TPS designation remains valid for Somalia.
After two decades of TPS extensions, the conflict in Somalia should no longer be viewed as a temporary condition.
It is time for the U.S. government to create a path for citizenship for TPS holders from Somalia.
There are only 250 – 300 Somalia immigrants eligible for TPS re-registration. A a citizenship path for such a small number would not place an undue burden U.S. resources.
Temporary Protected Status Benefits
The following benefits are granted as part of winning TPS status:
- You are allowed to have valid immigration status for the 18 month period
- You are eligible for a work permit, which allows you to work legally in the United States
- You may be able to halt deportation and removal proceedings against you
- You are eligible to later adjust your immigration status, if you meet certain requirments, and become a lawful permanent resident
- You are eligible to apply for permission to travel abroad
Somalia Temporary Protected Status Requirements
To qualify for TPS status, you must prove:
- You must be a Somalia national (or a person without nationality who last resided in Somalia)
- You must have been physically present in the U.S. since September 4, 2001
- You must have continuously resided in the U.S. since September 4, 2001
- You must meet all applicable immigration and TPS requirements, and successfully pass a background inspection
The present filing deadline for re-registration ends July 2, 2012. Do not delay and take unnecessary risks.
As a San Diego immigration lawyer, I encourage clients to file as early as possible.
In an unfortunate twist, every time TPS is extended, for any country, there are some immigrants who do not file their papers on time. Do not be one of them. Do not until the last moment to file your application.
If you would like to know more about TPS for Somalia, here is the USCIS link: USCIS Fact Sheet on Somalia.
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