DHS Extends and Redesignates Syria for Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

Contact: Tim Young | timothy.young@globalrefuge.org | 443-257-6310

WASHINGTON D.C. – Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas announced today a redesignation and extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Syria for 18 months.  Syria was first granted TPS in 2012 in recognition of the civil war and the ongoing conflict that has caused the displacement of 13.4 million Syrians and left 14.6 million in dire need of humanitarian assistance.

Today’s decision will enable an estimated 7,500 Syrian nationals currently residing in the United States to benefit from TPS’ protections and work authorization.

The following is a statement by Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, president and CEO of Global Refuge:

“Syria remains steeped in a devastating and decade-old war, making return for Syrian nationals a life-threatening prospect. Armed conflict, including the deliberate targeting of civilians and irregular warfare tactics, continues to drive displacement, food insecurity, shortages of water and medical care, and the destruction of critical infrastructure. Additionally, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has only exacerbated conditions on the ground in Syria.

The Biden administration’s extension and redesignation is a commendable recognition that no Syrian on the safety of U.S. soil should be returned to such dire circumstances. We encourage the Biden administration to grant additional TPS designations as humanitarian need demands, including for nationals of Mauritania and Ethiopia, who cannot safely return home either.

Further, we encourage Members of Congress to use the numerous bills before them – including the New Deal for New Americans Act – to provide lasting stability for Syrian and other TPS holders who have no clear path to lawful permanent residency and remaining in revolving legal limbo.”