U.S. Government Again Allows Syrians to Apply and Re-apply for TPS

As of June 17, 2003, the U.S. government again allows Syrians to apply and re-apply for TPS (Temporary Protected Status).  TPS is a status given to certain foreigners inside the U.S. who are from certain countries where it is difficult for them to return.  TPS makes the foreigner not removable from the U.S.  The foreigner may obtain authorization to work in the U.S. and may be given authorization to travel outside the country and return to the U.S.  TPS is not a path to citizenship.  After TPS expires, the foreigner returns to the status they had prior to obtaining TPS.

To be eligible for TPS:

1. The foreigner must be a national of a country designated for TPS, such as Syria, or someone without nationality who normally lived in that country.
2. The foreigner must file during the registration or re-registration period.  For Syrians registering for the first time, the foreigner must register before December 16, 2013.  For Syrians re-registering, the foreigner must register before August 16, 2013.  Some foreigners may qualify for late registration.
3. The foreigner must have been continuously in the U.S. since the TPS effectivity date.  Syrians must have continuously been in the U.S. since October 1, 2013.  If a Syrian leaves the U.S. after October 1, 2013 for more than a brief period of time, and returns to the U.S., they will not be eligible for TPS.
4. The foreigner must have lived in the U.S. since a certain date.  Syrians must have lived in the U.S. since June 17, 2013.

You may not be eligible for TPS if:

1. If you committed a felony or more than one misdemeanor in the U.S. and you were convicted.
2. If you are inadmissible to the U.S. because of health, crime, national security, poverty, unauthorized work, illegal entry and stay, improper documents, previous removal from the country, or any other reason.
3. If you would be ineligible for asylum because of persecution of others or terrorist activity.
4. If you failed to meet the eligibility requirements for TPS.
5. For those re-registering, if you failed to re-register for TPS as required.