The U.S. government announced on August 18 the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for citizens of Sudan and Ukraine for 18 months. In June, citizens of El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Nepal also had expanded protection.
The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program allows migrants from countries that are considered unsafe to live and work in the United States for a set period of time, as long as they meet certain requirements set by the U.S. government. People without nationality who last resided in these countries are also eligible for protection.
The extension of TPS for citizens of Ukraine and Sudan is valid from October 20, 2023 to April 19, 2025. In addition, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, citizens of those countries who are U.S. residents after August 16, 2023, will also be eligible for protection.
“Russia’s continued military invasion of Ukraine and the resulting humanitarian crisis require the United States to continue to provide safety and protection to Ukrainians who may not be able to return to their country,” said Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas. At least 26,000 Ukrainian current TPS beneficiaries will be able to maintain protection until April 19, 2025, if they continue to meet eligibility requirements.
An additional 166,700 ukrainian individuals may be eligible for TPS as new applications for the protection program open. This population includes citizens of Ukraine and individuals without nationality who last resided in the country who are in the United States with nonimmigrant status or without legal immigration status.
The extension of TPS to Sudanese comes after the eruption of violent clashes in the country in April, which has killed hundreds of people and forced thousands to move, internally and externally, in search of safety. “Since the military takeover of his government and the recent violent clashes, Sudan has experienced political instability and ongoing conflicts that have resulted in a humanitarian crisis,” said Mayorkas, who has ensured protection until Sudan’s situation improves.
According to DHS, at least 1,200 current beneficiaries from Sudan will be able to maintain TPS until April 19, 2025. About 2,750 new people could be eligible for TPS, among Sudanese citizens and non-nationals who last resided in the country.
By Amanda Almeida, from the Communication Team
