The Attorney General has extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montserrat. The extension for Bosnians is limited to those who registered for TPS during the initial registration period that ended on August 10, 1993. For Bosnians, TPS is extended until August 10, 1999. For Montserrat nationals, TPS is limited to those who applied for TPS during the initial registration period that ended on August 27, 1998. TPS for Montserrat nationals is being extended until August 27, 1999.

Bosnians must re-register by September 22, 1998 and Montserrians must re-register by September 25, 1998.

The Attorney General is authorized to grant TPS to eligible aliens who are nationals of a country where there is a finding that the state is experiencing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or certain other extraordinary and temporary conditions that prevent nationals or residents of countries from returning in safety. The Attorney General has found that armed conflict continues in Bosnia and that a volcanic eruption continues to make Montserrat uninhabitable.

To file for an extension, applicants should submit Form I-821 without a fee together with an I-765 Application for Employment Authorization with a check for $70 to the local INS office. If an applicant does not seek work authorization than just the Form I-821 and no fee would be filed.

All Bosnian applicants must have been in the US continuously since August 10, 1992 and all Montserrian registrants must have been continuously present since August 27, 1998.

The INS is also instructed to take a liberal policy regarding late re-registrations. Also, the INS will allow initial registration late under limited circumstances if a person has been physically present since the dates specified above.

About 400 Bosnians and 300 Montserrians are estimated to be available for extension.

Other groups are also expected to get their status extended soon. They include Sierra Leone, Sudan, and Burundi nationals. TPS status for Liberian nationals is not likely to be renewed.