Business Immigration Insights

DHS announced today that it is extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Syrian nationals who already hold TPS. TPS allows qualifying individuals to remain and work lawfully in the United States until conditions in their home countries improve.  The new extension allows qualifying individuals from Syria to reapply for TPS and work authorization that will be valid until March 31, 2018. The re-registration period begins today, and ends on September 30, 2016. Employment authorization documents held by qualifying individuals already set to expire on September 30, 2016, are automatically extended through March 31, 2017. Employers can rely on the DHS announcement for I-9 employment verification and reverification purposes. Syrian nationals and persons without nationality who last habitually resided in Syria who do not yet have TPS may apply through January 30, 2017.