We applaud the Obama administration’s decision to designate Syria for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This will doubtless save many lives as the violent conflict in Syria rages on. Details and procedures for applying for Temporary Protected Status have been published in the Federal Register. It is estimated that over 3,000 Syrians in the U.S. are eligible to apply for TPS. The registration deadline is September 25, 2012.
To be eligible for Temporary Status, Syrians must file an application along with evidence that demonstrates:
1. They are nationals of Syria;
2. They have continuously resided in the U.S. since March 29, 2012; and
3. They have been continuously present in the U.S. since March 29, 2012.
Syria TPS applicants will be subjected to background and security checks. If you have been arrested for or convicted of any offenses, consult with an immigration attorney before filing your registration application. If you are found to have committed any deportable offenses, your application will be denied and you will be referred to the Immigration Court for removal. Also, various grounds of inadmissibility apply to TPS registrants, including the bar for participating in the persecution of another individual. USCIS has frequently found former members of the Baath Party to be inadmissible under the persecutor bar. If you have ever been a member of the Baath party, you should consult with an immigration attorney to determine whether you are eligible for TPS.
Temporary Protected Status allows Syrians to remain in the U.S. and obtain work authorization until the TPS designation is terminated. Once the designation is terminated, you will revert back to the immigration status you had before TPS. Temporary Protected Status does not lead to permanent residence or U.S. citizenship. If you are not present in the U.S., you are not eligible for TPS and should explore other immigration alternatives. If you have questions about Syria TPS or would like assistance in filing your case, please schedule a consultation with our immigration attorney.
