The security challenges faced by Somali nationals living in the United States have raised concerns among many. Facing threats from both natural disasters and armed conflicts in their home country, these individuals wonder whether they can continue living and working in the U.S. safely. In this context, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) offers a potential legal pathway.

What is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?

Temporary Protected Status is a special immigration designation created for individuals who cannot safely return to their home countries due to extraordinary circumstances, including armed conflict or environmental disasters. TPS beneficiaries may legally remain in the United States, obtain work authorization, and in some cases receive permission for international travel while being protected from detention or deportation.

Eligibility Requirements for New TPS Applicants

Individuals applying for TPS must meet these basic requirements:

1. Be a Somali national or stateless person who last habitually resided in Somalia
2. Have continuously resided in the United States since at least July 12, 2024
3. Not have departed the United States after September 18, 2024 (as this may affect eligibility)

Important notes: Certain criminal records may disqualify applicants. The public charge rule does not apply to TPS applicants, who may qualify for various government programs.

How to Apply for TPS

The application process requires submission of Form I-821, which can be filed online or mailed to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Applicants must use the current form version (edition date: 01/20/2025) to avoid rejection.

Required supporting documents include proof of identity, nationality, and date of entry into the U.S. A complete document list appears in the application instructions. First-time applicants must pay associated fees, with detailed cost calculations available through the USCIS fee calculator.

The current application deadline is March 17, 2026, which also marks the current expiration date for Somalia's TPS designation. USCIS will review applications and send receipt notices, with processing status available online using the receipt number. Applicants who don't receive a receipt notice within three weeks should contact the USCIS Contact Center.

TPS Renewal and Re-registration

Current TPS holders must re-register by September 20, 2024 to extend their status through March 17, 2026. Late re-registrations may be submitted with a letter explaining the delay (e.g., due to serious illness). Re-registration can be completed online or by mail following USCIS website instructions.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has automatically extended work permits (EADs) for current TPS holders through September 17, 2025. EADs originally expiring on September 17, 2024 or March 17, 2023 remain valid until the new expiration date.

Work and Travel Authorization

TPS beneficiaries may apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by submitting Form I-765 with required fees. Filing for work authorization simultaneously with TPS application may expedite processing. EADs issued during the current registration period will be valid through March 17, 2026.

Travel permission (advance parole) requires submitting Form I-131 following Federal Register guidelines. Consultation with an immigration attorney before international travel is strongly recommended to understand potential policy changes affecting re-entry.

Legal Considerations and Future Planning

DHS will review conditions in Somalia 60 days before TPS expiration to determine whether to extend the designation. If TPS expires without renewal, beneficiaries revert to their prior immigration status. Those without alternative legal status may become undocumented, losing work authorization and facing potential detention or removal.

Immigration attorneys can help explore additional options such as asylum, lawful permanent residence (green card), or other visa categories. TPS holders should prepare emergency plans regarding potential ICE enforcement actions while staying informed about evolving immigration policies.