On May 1st (2012), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for the people of Somalia has been extended. Conditions in the country place the people of Somalia in jeopardy; thus, the TPS will continue through March 17, 2014. This is an 18-month extension.
Continuing Armed Conflict and Drought Cited as Basis for TPS Extension
The DHS explains, “[t]he extension of the current Somalia TPS designation is due to the continued disruption of living conditions in the country based upon extraordinary and temporary conditions that prompted the U.S. Attorney General’s re-designation of Somalia for TPS on Sept. 4, 2001. The Secretary’s re-designation is based on ongoing armed conflict and the worsening of the extraordinary and temporary conditions, including the effects of the recent severe drought in Somalia.”
Somali National Reregistration May 1 through July 2, 2012
If you are a Somali national in the U.S. based upon TPS, you must re-register to maintain this status through March 17, 2014. Consult with a qualified immigration attorney to determine if you qualify. Only about 250 people will qualify.
Former Somali Resident Registration and Re-Designation May 1 through October 29, 2012
If you are not a Somali national but have habitually resided in Somalia, you can apply for re-designation through October 29, 2012. This will provide you protection under TPS through March 17, 2014. Consult with a qualified immigration attorney to determine if you qualify. Only about 1,000 people will qualify.
Filing Fees May be Waived
Applicants can apply to have filing fees waived by submitting a written request or by filing Form I-912. If neither a waiver request nor the fees are submitted, applications will be rejected.
Where to Get Qualified Immigration Law Legal Help
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) encourages eligible individuals to re-register or re-designate TPS as soon as possible.
If you are from Somalia or have lived in Somalia, consult with a qualified immigration lawyer to determine whether you qualify for the TPS extension. We focus our practice on immigration law and help people just like you every day.
Your next step is to contact our office: 513-791-1673 or Thomasjr@geygan.com. We will walk you through your immigration issues and the process, guiding you, filling out all the forms on your behalf, and, even aggressively representing you in court and before the Department of State, if need be.