Background:
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Friday, November 1, 2019, it was extending work permits and other documents for immigrants from the six countries who are temporarily shielded from deportation under a humanitarian program known as Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
The DHS said it was automatically extending Temporary Protected Status for El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan in order to comply with preliminary injunctions that blocked the Trump administration from ending the program after lawsuits were filed by several TPS holders. The TPS extensions go through Jan. 4, 2021.
What is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?
As part of the Immigration Act of 1990, the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a program that offers a temporary legal status to foreign nationals in the United States who cannot return to their country of origin due to ongoing armed conflict, natural disaster, or other extraordinary reasons.
When was El Salvador designated as a TPS country?
In response to the 2001 El Salvador earthquakes, eligible El Salvadoran immigrants were afforded TPS in March of 2001. The temporary protected status of 263,280 Salvadorans was scheduled to end on September 9, 2019.
Has El Salvador TPS expired?
No. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced on November 1, 2019, that it would extend work permits for immigrants from six countries who are in the USA under the Temporary Protected Status program. The affected countries include El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan. The extensions were granted to comply in preliminary US Court injunctions by several TPS holders. They extend through Jan. 4, 2021.
Do I need to re-register for TPS?
No. Current beneficiaries under El Salvador TPS do not need to re-register, assuming they previously re-registered during previous registration periods in January – March 2018 and July – September 2016. You are automatically extended to January 4, 2021. You do not need to pay a fee or file an application if your TPS registration is valid and current.
If you did not re-register during those timeframes, you may submit a late re-registration application, including a letter that explains your reason(s) for filing late with your application. USCIS will determine whether your reasons are “good cause” for being late, as required under the TPS law.
What about my Employment Authorization Document (EAD)?
EADs with A-12 and C-19 categories are automatically extended to January 4, 2021.
What about other DHS Documentation?
Additionally, the validity periods of the following: Forms I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, and Forms I-797, Notice of Action (Approval Notice) under the designation of El Salvador have been extended to January 4, 2021, if (and only if) you are currently registered in TPS.
How to Avoid Scams:
Please be aware that some unauthorized practitioners may try to take advantage of you by claiming they can file TPS forms on your behalf. These same individuals may ask that you pay them to file such forms. Do not fall victim to an immigration scam. If you need legal advice on immigration matters, make sure the person helping you is authorized to give legal advice.
