Syrian nationals utilizing the temporary protected status designation have a limited amount of time to re-register to maintain their status through March 31, 2020, according to the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services.
Syrian nationals who were in the U.S. when a civil war broke out in March 15, 2011, have from now until Nov. 22, 2019 to re-register to keep their status, which would allow them to renew their employment authorization documents, according to the USCIS.
Currently, there are 7,011 Syrian TPS-holders who were displaced from their home country because of the civil war, according to USCIS. To reapply they must go to the federal register or risk being deported.
Kevin K. McAleenan, the acting secretary of Homeland Security, announced in August that the statutory conditions supporting Syria’s TPS designation on the basis of ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions continue to exist and that the designation should be extended for 18 months.
Many TPS-holders were visiting family in the U.S. when the war broke out.
The Big Apple has 8,870 Syrian-Americans statewide and 6,200 citywide, according to the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs.
In Queens, there are approximately 253 Syrian-Americans in Flushing, Jackson Heights and predominantly in Astoria, according to Census data.
“This extension of TPS is a critical protection for the 7,000 Syrians residing the United States to stay here, work lawfully, and ensure their safety and well-being,” said Bitta Mostofi, commissioner of MOIA. “New York City residents who have questions about TPS can access city-funded, free and safe immigration legal help through our ActionNYC hotline by calling 311 and saying ‘ActionNYC.'”
To be eligible for TPS under Syria’s current designation, along with meeting the other eligibility requirements, individuals must have continuously resided in the U.S. since August 1, 2016, and have been continuously physically present in the U.S. since October 1, 2016, according to USCIS.
