The Department of Homeland Security and Immigration (DHS) announced last week a 12-month extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of Somalia until September 17, 2005.  Under this extension, those who have already been granted TPS are eligible to live and work in the United States for an additional year and continue to maintain their status.  According to a DHS press release, approximately 324 nationals of Somalia are eligible for re-registration.

The extension of TPS for Somalia is effective September 17, 2004, and will remain in effect until September 17, 2005.  Nationals of Somalia who have been granted TPS must re-register for the 12-month extension during the 60-day re-registration period, which begins on August 6, 2004, and will remain in effect until October 5, 2004.  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is advising Somalia TPS beneficiaries who are applying for work authorization to do so before their current EAD expires.

To re-register for TPS under the extension, a TPS applicant must submit Form I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status) without the filing fee, Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization), two identification photographs (full face frontal, 2” x 2”) and a $70 biometrics services fee for each applicant age 14 and older to the local USCIS district office.  Note that both the Form I-765 and I-821 must be submitted for re-registration.  If the applicant is only seeking to re-register for TPS and not seeking an extension of employment authorization, there is no filing fee for the Form I-765.  However, all applicants seeking an extension of employment authorization until September 17, 2005, must submit a $175 filing fee with Form I-765.  Applicants may request a fee waiver in accordance with the regulations.  Failure to submit the filing fees and the required photographs will result in the rejection of the re-registration application.

More information can be obtained by visiting the USCIS web site, www.uscis.gov.