2023 has been a very good year for individuals holding TPS, or Temporary Protected Status. In June of this year, Secretary Mayorkas reversed a planned termination of TPS for nationals of El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua, and extended protection for an additional eighteen months. This was followed by a September announcement of re-registration extension periods for several countries from 60 days to the full eighteen months. This announcement affects the following countries:
- El Salvador: reregistration currently open and now runs through March 9, 2025;
- Haiti: reregistration currently open and now runs through August 3, 2024;
- Honduras: reregistration currently open and now runs through July 5, 2024;
- Nepal: reregistration currently open and now runs through June 24, 2025;
- Nicaragua: reregistration currently open and now runs through July 5, 2025;
- Sudan: reregistration currently open and now runs through April 19, 2025.
Current TPS beneficiaries of these countries must reregister in order to maintain TPS benefits, including the ability to work legally and remain in the United States without fear of being removed. Additionally, while TPS does not lead to or grant permanent residence, it does allow beneficiaries to potentially apply for travel authorization as well adjustment of status in the US, provided there is an immigrant petition available and other eligibility requirements are satisfied.
If there have been any material change in circumstances since a previous grant of TPS, individuals should consult with immigration counsel before reregistering. Issues that can prove problematic include not only failing to reregister on time but also any criminal charges. The regulations stipulate that conviction of any felony or two or more misdemeanors committed in the US will generally disqualify a person from being granted TPS.
In order to reregister for TPS, you must file Form I-821, as well as Form I-765 if seeking work authorization. For more information on TPS as well as the renewal process, please call our office to schedule a confidential consultation.