US Department of Homeland Security extends TPS designation for Syrian refugees

US Deparment of Homeland Security has extended the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Syrian refugees after reviewing the ongoing armed conflict conditions in the Middle Eastern country.

TPS has been extended for the refugees for 18 months after reviewing the conditions with interagency partners.

US Deparment of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen M. Nielsen said: “After carefully considering conditions on the ground, I have determined that it is necessary to extend the Temporary Protected Status designation for Syria.

“It is clear that the conditions upon which Syria’s designation was based continue to exist, therefore an extension is warranted under the statute. We will continue to determine each country’s TPS status on a country-by-country basis.”

Syrians carrying TPS status will be eligible to re-register for an extension for another 18 months, through 30 September, 2019.

Even before the conclusion of the 18 month extension, the Secretary will review conditions in the Middle Eastern country to determine if the TPS designation requires extension or termination.

There are around 7,000 Syrian beneficiaries through the TPS programme.

This extension enables current Syrian beneficiaries to re-register for programme and seek work authorisation until the extended period in the US.

One eligibility criteria for TPS is that individuals have to be residing in the US since 1 August, 2016.