DHS Approves TPS Request for Syrians

ADC Press Release

Washington, DC–March 23, 2012–The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), along with the Arab American Institute (AAI), United for Free Syria (UFS), the Syrian Emergency Task Force (SETF), and Syrian Expatriates, welcome the decision made by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano to approve the submitted Request for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Syrian nationals.

The TPS designation will be effective for 18 months. Before the end of the TPS designation period, the DHS Secretary will review the conditions in Syria and determine whether the conditions that led to the TPS designation continue to be met. Unless a determination is made that those conditions are no longer met, the TPS designation will be extended for 6, 12, or 18 months. If the conditions that led to the TPS designation are no longer met, the Secretary will terminate the TPS designation.

Syrian nationals looking to obtain TPS need to be aware that the status is not automatically applied, and that it is necessary to file the appropriate forms. If you are applying for TPS for the first time, you must complete USCIS Form I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status) and submit a filing fee, supporting evidence of identity and nationality, proof of residence, and, if you are age 14 or older, a fee for biometric services. More information can be found on the official UCIS website.

The ADC Legal Department will provide assistance in this matter:  legal@adc.org; (202) 244-2990; www.adc.org/tps.

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