March 8, 2019: Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Kirstjen M. Nielsen announces that an extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for South Sudan is valid for 18 months. Current TPS holders from South Sudan will be eligible to re-register for an extension of their status for 18 months through November 2, 2020. The conditions in South Sudan will be reviewed again prior to November 2, 2020, to determine whether the TPS will be extended again or terminated.
March 1, 2019: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announces an automatic extension of TPS documentation for TPS holders from Sudan, Nicaragua, Haiti, and El Salvador until January 2, 2020, to ensure compliance with the preliminary injunction in Ramos v. Nielsen (84 FR 7103, 3/1/19).
October 3, 2018: The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California enjoined the DHS from terminating TPS for Sudan, Nicaragua, Haiti, and El Salvador. DHS may not terminate TPS for these countries while the order is in effect and must continue the validity of Employment Authorization Documents (work permits).
TPS holders will maintain their status if they continue to meet all the requirements for TPS. TPS holders do not need to re-register to maintain TPS at this time, provided that they properly re-registered for TPS during the most recent registration period for their country.
If the court reverses the preliminary injunction, TPS may be terminated. DHS will allow for a transition period of at least 120 days from the final ruling if this happens.
As of this writing, TPS-related documents bearing the expiration dates of April 2, 2019, are currently valid evidence of TPS. As mentioned above, employment authorization documents (work permits) have been automatically extended for 180 days. TPS holders who need to renew their driver’s licenses must provide an alien or I-94 number.
Should you have any questions about your TPS status or whether you are eligible to apply for permanent residence please call our office at (714) 786-1166 to schedule a consultation.