USCIS Re-designates Syria for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has redesignated Syria for Temporary Protected Status. The Temporary Protected Status program shields nationals of Syria and those who last resided in Syria from removal from the United States. The program also allows these nationals to apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) that permit them to work in the United States. The Employment Authorization Document also allows these nationals to have driver licenses and allows them to receive social security cards.

Syria was initially designated on August 1, 2016. President Trump took away the designation. Syrians in the United States as of March 19, 2021, may apply for the designation.

What is in the Temporary Protected States Announcement for Syria?

Secretary of Homeland Security Mayorkas announced the designation on March 19, 2021. The designation remains until September 30, 2022. Applicants under the program who were physically present in the United States as of March 19, 2021, may apply for the status.

What are the Requirements for Temporary Protected Status for Syrians?

Applicants for Syria’s Temporary Protected Status program must meet the following criteria:

• Be a national of the country of designation.
• Be continuously physically present in the United States on the date of designation, March 19, 2021, or the date of redesignation.
• Be continuously present in the United States since the date of designation.
• Applicants must also apply within six months of the date of designation or redesignation for their country.

What are some of the Disqualifying Factors for Temporary Protected Status for Syrians?

Applicants who meet any of these factors do not qualify for Temporary Protected Status for Syrians:

• Been convicted of a felony or two misdemeanors in the United States.
• Individuals who are inadmissible into the United States are ineligible for the program.
• Individuals who are subject to any of the mandatory bars to asylums are ineligible.
• Applicants who fail to show that they were physically present in the US on the date of designation are also ineligible.
• Applicants who fail to register during the initial period of designation or during the redesignation periods.
• Applicants who were previously granted the status but fail to reapply.

How do I apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Syrians?

Nationals of Syria and people who last resided in Syria who wish to register for Temporary Protected Status must submit the following:

• Form I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status).
• Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization), if you wish to apply for work authorization.
• Form I-601( Application for a Waiver of Inadmissibility) if applicable.
• You must also submit evidence of eligibility including proof of citizenship and proof of physical presence in the United States.

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