Somalia TPS Extension and Redesignation Announced by DHS

Conditions Supporting the TPS Extension

After consulting with interagency partners, Secretary Mayorkas determined that conditions supporting Somalia’s designation remain in place. Those conditions include ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary, temporary circumstances. DHS noted widespread insecurity and violence that have exposed civilians to abuse and displacement.

Somalia has also experienced intense flooding, continued food insecurity, disease outbreaks, and significant obstacles to delivering humanitarian aid. DHS concluded that these factors continue to make safe return impossible for many individuals.

“Armed conflict and widespread insecurity have harmed and displaced civilians in Somalia for years, exacerbated today by the ravages of famine, disease, and extreme weather,” Mayorkas said. “Granting protection through Temporary Protected Status ensures that Somalis already in the United States can reside and work here while these deteriorated conditions in Somalia continue.”

Impact on Current TPS Beneficiaries

The Somalia TPS extension allows approximately 600 current beneficiaries to retain TPS through March 17, 2026, provided they continue to meet eligibility requirements. To maintain status and employment authorization, current beneficiaries must re‑register during the 60‑day re‑registration period. That period runs from July 22, 2024, through September 20, 2024.

Redesignation and Eligibility for New Applicants

The redesignation makes TPS available to an estimated 4,300 additional Somali nationals. It also applies to individuals with no nationality who last habitually resided in Somalia. To qualify, applicants must have established residence in the United States on or before July 12, 2024. They must also show continuous residence in the country since that date.

Federal Register Notice and Application Process

The corresponding Federal Register notice provides detailed guidance for both new and current beneficiaries. It outlines eligibility criteria, registration periods, and required procedures. Current TPS holders can re‑register and renew Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), while new applicants may submit initial TPS applications.

DHS also announced a Special Student Relief notice for eligible F‑1 students from Somalia. Qualifying students may request employment authorization, work increased hours during the school year, and reduce their course load while maintaining F‑1 status during the TPS designation period.

Employment Authorization and Pending Applications

DHS acknowledged that some re‑registrants may not receive new EADs before their current documents expire. As a result, DHS automatically extended the validity of certain Somalia TPS‑related EADs through September 17, 2025.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will continue processing pending TPS applications filed under previous designations. Individuals with pending Form I‑821 or Form I‑765 applications as of July 22, 2024, do not need to refile. If approved, USCIS will grant TPS and issue EADs valid through March 17, 2026.

Under the redesignation, eligible individuals who do not yet hold TPS may submit initial Form I‑821 applications between July 22, 2024, and March 17, 2026. Applicants may also request travel authorization and employment authorization by submitting Form I‑765 with, or after, Form I‑821.

DHS Enforcement Statement

DHS noted that since issuance of the Securing the Border Presidential Proclamation and Interim Final Rule in early June, more than 50,000 noncitizens have been removed or returned to over 100 countries. DHS emphasized that irregular migration journeys are often dangerous and that the department will continue enforcing U.S. immigration laws.

For official guidance and application details, see:

• USCIS TPS information: Temporary Protected Status | USCIS

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