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Governor Walz Appoints Veena Iyer as a Judge for the Second Judicial District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Mari Arneson, Communications Manager, Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota
mari.arneson@ilcm.org (651) 641-1011
Governor Walz Appoints Veena Iyer as a Judge for the Second Judicial District
May 10, 2024 – Today, Governor Tim Walz announced Veena Iyer, current ILCM Executive Director, as one of two new appointees to the Second Judicial District, which covers Ramsey County.
Veena Iyer and Jennifer Verdeja fill the vacancies created upon the elevation to the Minnesota Court of Appeals of the Honorable JaPaul Harris and the retirement of the Honorable Elena Ostby.
“I am honored that Governor Walz has entrusted me to serve the residents of Ramsey County and to ensure justice for all,” said Iyer. “As the child of immigrants, it has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as the Executive Director of the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, and I am proud of all we have done together to support immigrant and refugee families across Minnesota and North Dakota.”
“It is exciting to see Veena take this next step in her professional career. The Board is proud of how ILCM has thrived under her leadership, and we look forward to seeing her serve the people of Minnesota as a judge. I have the utmost confidence that ILCM’s interim leadership and excellent staff will continue to carry out our mission, serving immigrants with grace, diligence, expertise, and passion. We are poised to navigate this transition smoothly,” reflected Board Chair, Sarah Radosevich.
Jenny Stohl Powell, the Legal Director of ILCM, will serve as the Interim Director while the Board launches a search for the next leader of ILCM. Jenny has been the Legal Director of ILCM since 2019 and has over 25 years of experience in providing immigration legal services. “Jenny is a compassionate and effective leader who is trusted by our staff, partners, and community and will be an excellent steward for the organization,” said Radosevich.
Iyer will remain at ILCM for several weeks to complete her transition before joining the bench. A search will begin shortly.
Veena Iyer Appointed as a Judge for the Second Judicial District
Veena Iyer, executive director of the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM), has been appointed by Governor Walz as one of two new judges to the Second Judicial District, which covers Ramsey County. Iyer will remain at ILCM for several weeks to complete her transition before joining the bench.
Iyer says:
“This is truly bittersweet. I will miss ILCM, a community like no other in its tenacity, resilience, creativity, empathy, and compassion. However, I am honored that Governor Walz has entrusted me to serve the residents of Ramsey County and to ensure justice for all. As the child of immigrants, it has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as the Executive Director of the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, and I am proud of all we have done together to support immigrant and refugee families across Minnesota and North Dakota.”
In the press release announcing the appointment, Walz said:
“I am honored to appoint Veena Iyer to the Ramsey County bench. Her diverse practice background and understanding of the impact that our justice system has on the many communities it serves gives me the confidence that she will be a fair and balanced judge.”
ILCM is well-prepared for a transition with a visionary Board led by Chair Sarah Radosevich and a tremendous leadership team, which will be stewarded by Interim Executive Director Jenny Stohl Powell. Jenny has been ILCM’s Legal Director since 2019 and is a trusted leader in our state’s immigration legal services ecosystem. Additionally, Maya Salah, our former Board Vice Chair, will chair the search committee to identify a new leader for ILCM.
“It is exciting to see Veena take this next step in her professional career. The Board is proud of how ILCM has thrived under her leadership, and we look forward to seeing her serve the people of Minnesota as a judge. I have the utmost confidence that ILCM’s interim leadership and excellent staff will continue to carry out our mission, serving immigrants with grace, diligence, expertise, and passion. We are poised to navigate this transition smoothly,” reflected Board Chair, Sarah Radosevich.
Fact Sheet: Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopia
This fact sheet is current as of April 15, 2024. It is not legal advice.
On Friday, April 12, 2024, Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, announced the extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopia for 18 months, from June 13, 2024, through December 12, 2025. The corresponding Federal Register Notice (FRN) gives more information about how to register as a new or current TPS holder.
What is temporary protected status (TPS)?
The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grants TPS to individuals from designated countries who are unable to return home safely due to conditions or circumstances in their home countries.
During the designated TPS period, TPS holders are allowed to live in the United States and cannot be detained by DHS just based on their immigration status. TPS holders are eligible to apply for an employment authorization document (EAD) and for travel authorization.
What does the extension of TPS for Ethiopia mean?
If you have TPS under the current designation for Ethiopia, you can apply to extend TPS. To receive the TPS extension, you must re-register for TPS by applying during the 60-day re-registration period from April 15, 2024, through June 14, 2024. If approved, your TPS and EAD will be extended through December 12, 2025. The FRN gives more details.
Note: It is important for TPS holders to re-register during the registration period. Do not wait until your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expires. This could result in gaps in your employment authorization documentation.
What does the re-designation of TPS for Ethiopia mean?
If you are an Ethiopian national and have never had TPS, you can now apply for the first time if you have lived in the United States continuously since April 11, 2024. You can apply for TPS during the first-time registration period. You must also meet the eligibility requirements. If you left the United States for any reason, talk to an immigration attorney.
The first-time registration period for new applicants under the Ethiopian TPS redesignation is from April 15, 2024, through December 12, 2025. Other eligibility requirements are described in the FRN.
How do I apply for TPS?
People interested in TPS must file an application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and pay the filing fee. They may also apply for an EAD and for travel authorization. All individuals applying for TPS undergo security and background checks as part of determining eligibility.
If you currently have Ethiopian TPS: The re-registration period for current TPS holders is from April 15, 2024, through June 14, 2024.
If you are applying for Ethiopian TPS for the first time: The first-time registration period for new applicants is from April 15, 2024, through December 12, 2025.
Is TPS status given automatically?
No, TPS is not automatic. People must apply, pay a filing fee, and pass immigration screening. There are some facts that will make a person ineligible for TPS. For example, people with certain criminal convictions or who violated the human rights of others are not eligible for TPS. People who are inadmissible under certain sections of the law may have to file a waiver before they can be approved for TPS status. The application process can be complicated, and we recommend contacting a licensed immigration attorney.
How long will eligible individuals have protection under TPS for Ethiopia?
TPS is a temporary status. The Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas extended and redesignated Ethiopia for TPS until December 12, 2025, TPS status can, however, be extended.
I have been in the United States since before April 11, 2024, but I have left for short periods of time. Can I apply for TPS?
Maybe. Whether you still qualify for TPS depends on the length and nature of your time outside of the United States. Please contact an immigration attorney to discuss your situation further.
I am from Ethiopia, and I am in deportation proceedings. Can I apply for TPS to avoid deportation?
Yes. A person in removal proceedings can apply for TPS and, if approved, can request that the judge put the removal case on hold until TPS is approved, and then for the time it is in effect.
Does TPS Status provide a path to permanent residency?
No, TPS does not provide a path to lawful permanent resident status. However, some TPS holders may be independently eligible to adjust status through a family-based, employment-based, or other legal avenue. Please consult with an immigration lawyer regarding this issue.
Get Help
The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) provides free immigration legal services to low-income immigrants in a variety of immigration matters. For more information about how we can assist you, please visit our website at www.ilcm.org or call us at (651) 641-1011.
Fact Sheet: Deferred Enforced Departure (DED)
This fact sheet is current as of April 15, 2024. It is not legal advice.
What is DED?
Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) is a discretionary protection status.
DED recipients are protected from deportation and are allowed to obtain work permits. DED does not provide a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship. DED is authorized under the president’s constitutional discretion to conduct foreign affairs. There is no statutory authorization. Only the president can extend or terminate DED.
Who has DED?
- Palestine DED is designated until August 13, 2025.
- Hong Kong DED was extended until February 5, 2025.
- Liberia DED was extended until June 30, 2024.
Who is eligible for DED?
Eligibility requirements for DED are based on the terms the president specifies in each DED directive. Each presidential directive includes the criteria for an individual to be covered by DED and certain exceptions for individuals who are not covered. For more information, see the Federal Register notices for each country.
DED only applies to those people already residing in the United States at the time of designation. Those outside the United States who want to immigrate do not qualify for DED. Individuals must be a national of, or a person without nationality who last habitually resided in, the country designated for DED.
Do I need to apply for DED?
No. There is no application to apply for DED. Anyone who meets the requirements automatically has DED until it lapses or is terminated.
Can I work under DED?
Maybe. If DHS provides employment authorization as a benefit of DED for your country, then you may request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
DHS may issue an automatic extension of expiring EADs for DED recipients. The Federal Register notices will tell you if your EAD is automatically extended and for how long.
How do I prove my EAD is extended?
You can show your DED-related EAD with an expired “Card Expires” date and a copy of the Federal Register notice to employers and government agencies (federal, state, and local). Employers may rely on the Federal Register notice as evidence that your EAD is still valid.
Can I travel outside the United States under DED?
Maybe. Any DED-eligible person who wants to travel outside the country must apply for advance parole. If you leave the United States without first receiving advance parole, you may no longer be eligible for DED and may not be permitted to reenter the United States.
Palestine DED Important Note: If you are covered by DED for Palestinians and you return to the Palestinian Territories, you will not be permitted to resume DED in the United States. The presidential memorandum providing for DED for Palestinians excludes individuals who voluntarily return to the Palestinian Territories after Feb. 14, 2024.
Get Help
The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) provides free immigration legal services to low-income immigrants in a variety of immigration matters. For more information about how we can assist you, please visit our website at www.ilcm.org or call us at (651) 641-1011.
Fact Sheet: Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burma
This fact sheet was originally published on 6.9.2021 and was updated on 3.25.2024. It is not legal advice.
On Friday, March 22, 2024, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced an extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burma for an additional 18 months, from May 26, 2024, through November 25, 2025. The corresponding Federal Register Notice (FRN) gives information about how to register as a new or current TPS holder.
What is temporary protected status (TPS)?
The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grants TPS to individuals from designated countries who are unable to return home safely due to conditions or circumstances in their home countries.
During the designated TPS period, TPS holders are allowed to live in the United States and cannot be detained by DHS just based on their immigration status. TPS holders are eligible to apply for an employment authorization document (EAD) and for travel authorization.
What does the extension of TPS for Burma (Myanmar) mean?
If you have TPS under the current designation for Burma, you can apply to extend TPS. To receive the TPS extension, you must re-register for TPS by applying during the 60-day re-registration period from March 25, 2024, through May 24, 2024. If approved, your TPS and EAD will be extended until November 25, 2025. The FRN provides more details.
Note: It is important for TPS holders to re-register during the registration period. Do not wait until your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expires. This could result in gaps in your employment authorization documentation.
What does the re-designation of TPS for Burma (Myanmar) mean?
If you are a Burmese (Myanmar) national and have never had TPS, you can now apply for the first time if you have lived in the United States continuously since March 21, 2024. You can apply for TPS during the first-time registration period. You must also meet the eligibility requirements. If you left for any reason, talk to an immigration attorney.
The first-time registration period for new applicants under the Burma (Myanmar) TPS redesignation is from March 25, 2024, through November 25, 2025. Other eligibility requirements are described in the FRN.
How do I apply for TPS?
People interested in TPS must file an application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and pay the filing fee. They may also apply for an EAD and for travel authorization. All individuals applying for TPS undergo security and background checks as part of determining eligibility.
If you currently have Burmese TPS: The re-registration period for current TPS for Burma holders is from March 25, 2024, through May 24, 2024.
If you are applying for Burmese TPS the first time: The first-time registration period for new applicants is from March 25, 2024, through November 25, 2025.
Is TPS status given automatically?
No, TPS is not automatic. People must apply, pay a filing fee, and pass immigration screening. There are some facts that will make a person ineligible for TPS. For example, people with certain criminal convictions or who violated the human rights of others are not eligible for TPS. People who are inadmissible under certain sections of the law may have to file a waiver before they can be approved for TPS status. The application process can be complicated, and we recommend working with an immigration attorney.
How long will eligible individuals have protection under TPS for Burma?
TPS is a temporary status. The Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas extended and redesignated Burma (Myanmar) for TPS until November 25, 2025. TPS status can, however, be extended.
I have been in the United States since before March 21, 2024, but I have left for short periods of time. Can I apply for TPS?
Maybe. Whether you still qualify for TPS depends on the length and nature of your time outside of the United States. Please contact an immigration attorney to discuss your situation further.
I am from Burma (Myanmar), and I came to the United States as a refugee. Do I need to apply for TPS?
No. People who are in the US with refugee status can live and work here and apply for permanent resident status after one year. They do not require TPS.
I am from Burma (Myanmar), and I now have a green card. Do I need to apply for TPS?
No. As a permanent resident, you have legal status in the US and are on a path to citizenship. You do not need and would not qualify for TPS.
I am from Burma (Myanmar), and I am in deportation proceedings. Can I apply for TPS to avoid deportation?
Yes. A person in removal proceedings can apply for TPS, and if approved, can request that the judge put the removal case on hold until TPS is approved, and then for the time it is in effect.
*If you are from Burma (Myanmar) and came to the United States on a F1 student visa, contact your school’s international student office for more information.
Get Help
The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) provides free immigration legal services to low-income immigrants in a variety of immigration matters. For more information about how we can assist you, please visit our website at www.ilcm.org.
ILCM 2023 General Fact Sheet
New USCIS Fee Rule: An Update on Immigration Filing Fees
New USCIS Fee Rule - An Update on USCIS Filing Fees 2.2024
PDF from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ilrc)
Temporary Protected Status History
For more current updates, please visit our TPS Resources page.
December 30, 2022 UPDATE – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced an extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Yemen for 18 months, from March 4, 2023, through Sept. 3, 2024, due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions that prevent Yemeni nationals from safely returning to their country. In addition, DHS announced a redesignation of Yemen for TPS for the same reasons, allowing Yemeni nationals (and individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Yemen) residing in the United States as of Dec. 29, 2022, to be eligible for TPS.
December 6, 2022 UPDATE: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the extension and redesignation of Haiti for TPS for 18 months from February 4, 2023, through August 3, 2024. Those individuals who have already been residing in the United States as of November 6, 2022, will be eligible for TPS under Haiti’s redesignation. Haitians entering the United States after November 6, 2022, including those who might be considering entering now, are not eligible for TPS.
DHS will publish a Federal Register notice that will explain the procedures necessary for an individual to re-register under the extension or submit an initial registration application under the redesignation and to apply for an Employment Authorization Document. Individuals applying for TPS are instructed to wait for the publication of the Federal Register notice before filing an application for TPS. Those who have been continuously residing in the U.S. since November 6, 2022, and have a pending TPS application with DHS do not have to refile at this time.
Haitian Creole translation: Depatman Sekirite Enteryè (Department of Homeland Security, DHS) anonse jodi a ekstansyon ak redezinyasyon Ayiti pou Estati Pwoteksyon Tanporè (Temporary Protected Status, TPS) pou 18 mwa soti 4 Fevriye 2023 jiska 3 Out 2024. Moun ki gentan ap viv nan Etazini depi 6 Novanm 2022 ap elijib pou TPS nan kad redezinyason Ayiti. Ayisyen ki rantre Etazini apre 6 Novanm 2022, ak sila ki fenk rantre yo, pa elijib pou TPS.
Nou pral pibliye yon avi Rejis Federal ki pral eksplike pwosedi nesesè pou yon moun enskri ankò nan kad ekstansyon an oswa soumèt yon enskripsyon inisyal nan kad redezinyasyon epi mande yon Dokiman Otorizasyon Travay (Employment Authorization Document). Moun ki ap aplike pou TPS yo bezwen tann piblikasyon avi Rejis Federal (Federal Register) avan yo depoze yon aplikasyon pou TPS. Moun ki rezide Etazini depi 6 Novanm 2022 epi ki gen yon aplikasyon pou TPS annatant pa bezwen depoze yon lòt ankò nan moman sa.
November 10, 2022 UPDATE: DHS posted a Federal Register Notice announcing that beneficiaries under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations for El Salvador, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, the 2011 Haiti designation, and the 2013 Sudan designation will retain their TPS while the preliminary injunction in Ramos v. Wolf and the stay of proceedings order in Bhattarai v. Nielsen remains in effect, provided they remain individually eligible for TPS. Their Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) are auto-extended through June 30, 2024.
September 26, 2022 UPDATE: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced an extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burma for an additional 18 months, from Nov. 26, 2022, through May 25, 2024, due to extraordinary and temporary conditions in Burma that prevent individuals from safely returning. In addition, DHS announced a redesignation of Burma for TPS for the same reason, allowing Burmese nationals (and individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Burma) residing in the United States as of Sept. 25, 2022, to be eligible for TPS.
September 7, 2022 UPDATE: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted for public inspection a Federal Register notice describing how beneficiaries under Venezuela’s existing TPS designation can re-register to retain TPS and renew their Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas previously announced the 18-month extension of the designation of Venezuela for TPS (July 11, 2022 UPDATE).
Only beneficiaries of the initial designation of Venezuela for TPS who were already residing in the United States in March 2021 are eligible to re-register for TPS and apply to renew their EADs, if they otherwise continue to meet eligibility requirements. Individuals re-registering must do so during the 60-day re-registration period from Sept. 8, 2022 to Nov. 7, 2022. Venezuelans who arrived in the United States after March 8, 2021, are not eligible for TPS.
July 29, 2022 UPDATE: DHS Announces extension and redesignation of Syria for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, through March 31, 2024. A Federal Register notice also provides automatic extension of certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) of existing beneficiaries of Syria TPS, through Sept. 30, 2023.
July 11, 2022 UPDATE: DHS Announces Extension of Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela. The 18-month extension of TPS for Venezuela will be effective from September 10, 2022, through March 10, 2024. Only beneficiaries under Venezuela’s existing designation, and who were already residing in the United States as of March 8, 2021, are eligible to re-register for TPS under this extension. Venezuelans who arrived in the United States after March 8, 2021, are not eligible for TPS.
“The forthcoming Federal Register notice will provide instructions for re-registering for TPS and applying for the renewal of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Venezuelans who are currently eligible for TPS under the existing designation but may have not yet applied with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) should file their applications prior to the September 9, 2022, application deadline, including those Venezuelans who are covered under the January 2021 grant of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). Venezuela’s DED is set to expire July 20, 2022.”
Beginning July 1, 2022, USCIS will issue a new travel authorization document to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries: Form I-512T, Authorization for Travel by a Noncitizen to the United States. We will no longer issue advance parole documents as evidence of our prior consent to a TPS beneficiary’s travel outside the United States.
If you are a TPS beneficiary with an existing, unexpired advance parole document, you may continue to use it for travel outside the United States through the period of validity printed on it.
If you are a TPS beneficiary applying for a new travel authorization document, you should continue to use Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. If you have a pending Form I-131, you do not need to file a new application.
USCIS will continue issuing advance parole documents to noncitizens with pending applications for TPS (Form I-821).
June 7, 2022 UPDATE: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted today the Federal Register notices on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Cameroon. Cameroon is designated for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, effective June 7, 2022, through December 7, 2023. This designation allows Cameroonian nationals (and individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Cameroon) who have continuously resided in the United States since April 14, 2022, and who have been continuously physically present in the United States since June 7, 2022, to apply for TPS.
May 20, 2022 UPDATE: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted today the Federal Register notices on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan. Afghanistan is designated for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, effective May 20, 2022, through November 20, 2023. This designation allows eligible Afghan nationals (and individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Afghanistan) who have continuously resided in the United States since March 15, 2022, and who have been continuously physically present in the United States since May 20, 2022 to apply for TPS.
April 18, 2022 UPDATE: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted today two Federal Register notices on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ukraine and Sudan. These notices provide information about how to register for TPS under each country’s designation. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas previously announced the 18-month designation of Ukraine for TPS and the 18-month designation of Sudan for TPS.
The registration process for both countries begins on April 19, 2022. All individuals who want to request TPS under the designation of Ukraine or Sudan must file an application.
On April 15, 2022 Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas granted immigrants from Cameroon temporary protection in the United States, allowing them to remain in the country for 18 months and apply for work permits.
Only Cameroonians living in the United States as of April 14 are eligible for temporary protected status (TPS), which typically benefits undocumented immigrants and those with visas that are set to expire.
April 8 Update: Certain EADs for TPS Syria Automatically Extended through Sept. 24, 2022
USCIS is issuing individual notices to certain TPS Syria beneficiaries whose applications to renew Form I 766, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), remain pending. These individual notices further extend the validity of their EADs until Sept. 24, 2022. Their current EADs bear an A12 or C19 category and an expiration date of March 31, 2021; Sept. 30, 2019; or March 31, 2018.
Find more details on the TPS Syria webpage and instructions for completing Form I‑9 on the I‑9 Central TPS page.
On March 21, 2022 the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) agreed to restore a path to permanent residency for many Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries blocked by then-acting USCIS Director Ken Cuccinelli — an illegally appointed Trump official. Because of this agreement, TPS beneficiaries impacted by this policy will be able to reopen and dismiss their removal orders and apply to adjust their status to become permanent residents — eliminating the threat of deportation if their TPS protections are revoked in the future. CLINIC press release.
On March 18, 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has automatically extended the validity of certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) with a Category Code of A12 or C19 issued under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somalia through Sept. 12, 2022.
On March 16, 2022 DHS announced the designation of Afghanistan for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. Only individuals who are already residing in the United States as of March 15, 2022, will be eligible for TPS.
On March 3, 2022 DHS announced the designation of Ukraine for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. Only individuals who are already residing in the United States as of March 1, 2022, will be eligible for TPS.
On March 2, 2022 DHS announced a new 18-month designation of Sudan for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) that will become effective upon publication of an upcoming Federal Register Notice (FRN). DHS also announced the extension and redesignation of South Sudan for TPS for 18 months, effective May 3, 2022, through November 3, 2023. The Federal Register Notice providing further details is scheduled to be posted March, 3, 2022.
On September 10, 2021 DHS extended TPS for TPS holders from El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, and Sudan. If they are in current TPS status, their TPS status and work permits are automatically extended to December 31, 2022. While they can apply for a new work permit, they are not required to. Instead they can present their expired work permit and a copy of the Federal Register notice (dated 9/10/2021) as proof of their current status. The Federal Register notice with more details is available here.
On August 4, 2021 DHS extended the initial registration periods from 180 days to 18 months for applicants who do not currently have TPS under the TPS designations for Venezuela, Syria, and Burma. This extension to 18 months is the same time period of the TPS designation itself, allowing an individual to apply as an initial applicant any time during the 18-month designation periods for these three countries.
On August 3, 2021 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted the Federal Register notice on the “Designation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status” for 18 months, effective August 3, 2021, through February 3, 2023.
On July 19, 2021 Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced an 18-month extension and re-designation of Somalia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This extension and re-designation will be in effect from September 18, 2021, through March 17, 2023. A Federal Register notice explaining the procedures necessary to re-register or submit an initial registration application and apply for an EAD will be published soon.
On July 9, 2021 the Federal Register notice on the “Extension and Redesignation of Yemen for Temporary Protected Status” was published.
On July 6, 2021 Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced an 18-month extension and re-designation of Yemen for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This extension and re-designation will be in effect from September 4, 2021, through March 3, 2023.
The re-designation of TPS for Yemen allows an estimated 480 additional Yemeni nationals (or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Yemen) who have been continuously residing in the United States since July 5, 2021, and have been continuously physically present in the United States since September 4, 2021, to file initial applications to obtain TPS, if they are otherwise eligible.
Current beneficiaries re-registering under the extension of TPS for Yemen should re-register in a timely manner during the 60-day registration period.
Under the re-designation of Yemen, eligible individuals who do not have TPS may submit an initial Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, during the initial registration period that will run from the publication date of the Federal Register notice, through the full length of the re-designation period ending March 3, 2023. Applicants are also eligible to apply for TPS-related Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) and for travel authorization.
On March 12, 2021 Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Burma for 18 months. Once published, the Federal Register notice will explain the eligibility criteria applicants must meet and describe procedures necessary to submit an initial TPS application and apply for work authorization documentation.
On January 29, 2021 Acting Secretary of Homeland Security David Pekoske extended the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Syria for 18 months through Sept. 30, 2022, and also re-designated Syria for TPS, effective March 31, 2021, through Sept. 30, 2022.
ILCM’s Statement on the Senate Emergency Supplemental Bill Immigration Provisions
February 5, 2024— Every day, the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) has the privilege of supporting newcomers, many of whom first entered the United States at the southern border. Each of their stories is unique, and their reasons for seeking to enter the United States are diverse. Over the past several years, however, ever-tightening border policies and procedures have restricted people’s ability to share their experiences before immigration officials make a life-or-death decision whether they can enter the United States.
The Senate Emergency Supplemental Bill goes even further. The bill mandates a border shutdown when border encounters reach 5,000 per day; raises the bar for seeking asylum beyond those established by international law; and further limits access to court processes and review. The likely result? Not better control and safety along the border, but rather greater exploitation by cartels and smugglers of desperate people seeking safety.
The Senate negotiators seek to make this proposal palatable by including several policies long called for by immigration advocates, such as:
- a pathway to lawful permanent residence and citizenship for certain Afghans;
- an infusion of 250,000 family- and employment-based green cards over the next five years;
- protections for children of high-skilled temporary workers who “age-out” of status while their parent is awaiting a green card; and
- work authorization for the dependents of certain temporary immigrants.
Notably, however, the proposal does not include a pathway to citizenship for DREAMers or for TPS holders.
We cannot acquiesce to a misguided border strategy in exchange for securing protections for certain classes of immigrants. We need and deserve an immigration system that works for all. The Senate Emergency Supplemental Bill does not bring us any closer to making that system a reality.