Sep 13, 2023
This immigration update is brought to you by Docketwise immigration software and our video podcast Immigration Uncovered. I'm James Pittman, and today we're bringing you a comprehensive update on Temporary Protected Status, or TPS extension and redesignation for Sudan. TPS is an immigration program in the United States that offers temporary immigration status to individuals from countries facing exceptional and short-term challenges, such as armed conflicts, natural disasters, or other crises.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has just made a significant announcement. They have extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Sudan for a duration of 18 months, starting from October 20, 2023, and running through April 19, 2025. This decision comes in response to the extraordinary and temporary conditions in Sudan that continue to prevent individuals from safely returning to their home country."
In addition to the extension, DHS has also redesignated TPS for Sudan for the same reasons. This means that Sudanese nationals and individuals who last habitually resided in Sudan, residing in the United States as of August 16, 2023, are now eligible for TPS. This expansion aims to provide safety and protection to those who find themselves in the United States due to the ongoing challenges in Sudan.
Alongside this announcement, DHS has introduced a Special Student Relief notice. This notice is especially important for F-1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Sudan. It allows these students to request employment authorization, work additional hours while school is in session, and reduce their course load while maintaining F-1 status throughout the TPS designation period.
The need for these measures stems from ongoing difficult conditions in Sudan, including the violent clashes which erupted in April 2023, and which resulted in hundreds of casualties as well as ongoing challenges such as food and clean water shortages, intercommunal violence, and internal displacement, forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes to neighboring cities and countries. These conditions currently prevent Sudanese nationals from safely returning.
This extension will allow approximately 1,200 current beneficiaries to retain TPS through April 19, 2025, provided they continue to meet TPS eligibility requirements. An estimated 2,750 additional individuals may now be eligible for TPS under the redesignation of Sudan. This population includes nationals of Sudan and individuals without nationality who last habitually resided in Sudan, who are in the United States in nonimmigrant status or without lawful immigration status.
If you are a current beneficiary and wish to extend your Temporary Protected Status, you must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period, which is open from August 21, 2023, through October 20, 2023. This will ensure you maintain your TPS and employment authorization without a gap. For those concerned about their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expiring, USCIS is automatically extending EADs previously issued through October 19, 2024.
For those seeking TPS for the first time under this redesignation, the initial registration period is longer and is open from August 21, 2023, through April 19, 2025. Submit Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, and if seeking an EAD Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, either with your Form I-821 or separately at a later date.
Both forms can be submitted online.
For detailed information on eligibility criteria, timelines, and application procedures, please refer to the Federal Register notice.
Thank you for watching this critical update on Sudan's Temporary Protected Status extension and redesignation. It's a development that carries significant implications for our immigrant community. As always, we encourage you to follow the guidelines provided by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on its website if this news applies to you or in the case of immigration lawyers, your clients. Stay informed, stay engaged, and stay tuned for more immigration-related insights with our video updates and on our podcast Immigration Uncovered. Until next time, I'm James Pittman, your host, signing off.
