81 FR 15328 - Extension of the Designation of Liberia for Temporary Protected Status
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 55 (March 22, 2016)
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 55 (March 22, 2016)
| Page Range | 15328-15334 | |
| FR Document | 2016-06328 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 55 (Tuesday, March 22, 2016)] [Notices] [Pages 15328-15334] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-06328] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services [CIS No. 2579-15; DHS Docket No. USCIS-2014-0011] RIN 1615-ZB47 Extension of the Designation of Liberia for Temporary Protected Status AGENCY: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: Through this Notice, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announces that the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) is extending the designation of Liberia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 6 months, from May 22, 2016, through November 21, 2016. The extension allows currently eligible TPS beneficiaries to retain TPS through November 21, 2016, so long as they otherwise continue to meet the eligibility requirements for TPS. The Secretary has determined that an extension is warranted because, although there have been significant improvements, conditions in Liberia supporting its November 2014 designation for TPS continue to be met. Through this Notice, DHS also sets forth procedures necessary for eligible nationals of Liberia (or aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in Liberia) to re-register for TPS and to apply for renewal of their Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Re-registration is limited to persons who have previously registered for TPS under the designation of Liberia and whose applications have been granted. Certain nationals of Liberia (or aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in Liberia) who have not previously applied for TPS may be eligible to apply under the late initial registration provisions if they meet (1) at least one of the late initial filing criteria, and (2) all TPS eligibility criteria (including continuous residence in the United States since November 20, 2014, and continuous physical presence in the United States since November 21, 2014). For individuals who have already been granted TPS under Liberia's designation, the 60-day re-registration period runs from March 22, 2016 through May 23, 2016. USCIS will issue new EADs with a November 21, 2016, expiration date to eligible Liberia TPS [[Page 15329]] beneficiaries who timely re-register and apply for EADs under this extension. Given the timeframes involved with processing TPS re- registration applications, DHS recognizes that not all re-registrants will receive new EADs before their current EADs expire on May 21, 2016. Accordingly, through this Notice, DHS automatically extends the validity of EADs issued under the TPS designation of Liberia for 6 months, through November 21, 2016, and explains how TPS beneficiaries and their employers may determine which EADs are automatically extended and their impact on the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) and E-Verify processes. DATES: The 6-month extension of the TPS designation of Liberia is effective May 22, 2016, and will remain in effect through November 21, 2016. The 60-day re-registration period runs from March 22, 2016 through May 23, 2016. (Note: It is important for re-registrants to timely re-register during this 60-day period and not to wait until their EADs expire.) FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:For further information on TPS, including guidance on the application process and additional information on eligibility, please visit the USCIS TPS Web page at http://www.uscis.gov/tps. You can find specific information about Liberia's TPS extension by selecting ``Liberia'' from the menu on the left side of the TPS Web page. For questions concerning this FRN, you can also contact Jerry Rigdon, Chief of the Waivers and Temporary Services Branch, Service Center Operations Directorate, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529-2060; or by phone at (202) 272-1533 (this is not a toll-free number). Note: The phone number provided here is solely for questions regarding this TPS Notice. It is not for individual case status inquires. Applicants seeking information about the status of their individual cases can check Case Status Online, available at the USCIS Web site at http://www.uscis.gov, or call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833). Further information will also be available at local USCIS offices upon publication of this Notice. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Table of Abbreviations BIA--Board of Immigration Appeals DHS--Department of Homeland Security DOS--Department of State EAD--Employment Authorization Document EVD--Ebola Virus Disease FNC--Final Nonconfirmation Government--U.S. Government IJ--Immigration Judge INA--Immigration and Nationality Act OSC--U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices SAVE--USCIS Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements Program Secretary--Secretary of Homeland Security TNC--Tentative Nonconfirmation TPS--Temporary Protected Status TTY--Text Telephone USCIS--U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services What is temporary protected status (TPS)? TPS is a temporary immigration status granted to eligible nationals of a country designated for TPS under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), or to eligible persons without nationality who last habitually resided in the designated country. During the TPS designation period, TPS beneficiaries are eligible to remain in the United States, may not be removed, and are authorized to work and obtain EADs so long as they continue to meet the requirements of TPS. TPS beneficiaries may also be granted travel authorization as a matter of discretion. The granting of TPS does not result in or lead to permanent resident status. To qualify for TPS, beneficiaries must meet the eligibility requirements at INA section 244(c)(2), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(c)(2). When the Secretary terminates a country's TPS designation, although TPS benefits end, former TPS beneficiaries continue to hold any lawful immigration status that they maintained or obtained while holding TPS. When and why was Liberia designated for TPS? On November 21, 2014, the Secretary designated Liberia for TPS for a period of 18 months due to the extraordinary and temporary conditions caused by an epidemic of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in West Africa that prevented nationals of Liberia from returning to Liberia in safety. The extraordinary and temporary conditions included high EVD transmission rates in widespread geographic areas, overwhelmed health care systems unable to handle the large number of EVD patients or to provide treatment for normally preventable or treatable conditions, and containment measures that were causing significant disruptions to Liberia's economy and individuals' ability to access food and earn a livelihood. See Designation of Liberia for Temporary Protected Status, 79 FR 69502 (Nov. 21, 2014). What authority does the Secretary have to extend the designation of Liberia for TPS? Section 244(b)(1) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(1), authorizes the Secretary, after consultation with appropriate agencies of the U.S. Government (Government), to designate a foreign state (or part thereof) for TPS if the Secretary determines that certain country conditions exist.\1\ The Secretary may then grant TPS to eligible nationals of that foreign state (or eligible aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in the designated country). See INA section 244(a)(1)(A), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(a)(1)(A). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ As of March 1, 2003, in accordance with section 1517 of title XV of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, Public Law 107-296, 116 Stat. 2135, any reference to the Attorney General in a provision of the INA describing functions transferred from the Department of Justice to DHS ``shall be deemed to refer to the Secretary'' of Homeland Security. See 6 U.S.C. 557 (codifying the Homeland Security Act of 2002, tit. XV, section 1517). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- At least 60 days before the expiration of a country's TPS designation or extension, the Secretary, after consultation with appropriate Government agencies, must review the conditions in a foreign state designated for TPS to determine whether the conditions for the TPS designation continue to be met. See INA section 244(b)(3)(A), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(A). If the Secretary determines that a foreign state continues to meet the conditions for TPS designation, the designation may be extended for an additional period of 6, 12, or 18 months. See INA section 244(b)(3)(C), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(C). If the Secretary determines that the foreign state no longer meets the conditions for TPS designation, the Secretary must terminate the designation. See INA section 244(b)(3)(B), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(B). Why is the Secretary extending the TPS designation for Liberia through November 21, 2016? DHS and the Department of State (DOS) have reviewed conditions in Liberia. Based on the reviews and after consulting with DOS, the Secretary has determined that a 6-month extension is warranted because, although there have been significant improvements, conditions in Liberia supporting its November 2014 designation for TPS persist. Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone were designated for TPS in the midst of the largest EVD outbreak in history. [[Page 15330]] From March 2014 through November 2015, these three countries suffered over 11,000 deaths among their more than 28,500 cases of EVD. At the height of the outbreak in late 2014, hundreds of new cases were being reported each week, the health care systems were overwhelmed, and containment measures were causing significant disruptions to individuals' ability to access food and earn a livelihood. A robust response by the international community and the governments of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone has now brought EVD transmission in West Africa substantially under control. The World Health Organization declared Liberia free of EVD transmission on January 14, 2016. Despite the absence of current widespread EVD transmission, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone still face containment and recovery challenges, and the risk of flare-ups of EVD remains, as demonstrated by the two cases reported in Sierra Leone in January 2016 after the country had previously been declared free of EVD transmission. All three countries continue to experience consequences of the epidemic, including the ongoing medical issues and mental trauma experienced by EVD survivors; challenges in rebuilding fragile healthcare systems; and lingering food insecurity due to the epidemic's impact on economic activity, productivity, and livelihoods. The World Health Organization continues to consider the EVD outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Although the countries continue to struggle with the effects of the epidemic, in light of the absence of widespread transmission of EVD, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has removed warnings for travel to Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Accordingly, the restrictions placed on grants of advance parole for travel to Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone in conjunction with these countries' designations for TPS in November 2014 are removed. Beneficiaries of TPS Liberia who wish to travel abroad must still comply with the requirements for obtaining advance parole stated in the Instructions to Form I-131, Application for Travel Document. They should also be aware that travel abroad may cause a break in their continuous residence and continuous physical presence in the United States, making them ineligible for TPS, unless the absence from the United States is considered by USCIS to be ``brief, casual and innocent'' under 8 CFR 244.1. Based upon this review and after consultation with appropriate Government agencies, the Secretary has determined that: Conditions supporting the November 2014 designation of Liberia for TPS continue to be met. See INA section 244(b)(3)(A) and (C), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(A) and (C). There continue to be extraordinary and temporary conditions in Liberia that prevent Liberian nationals (or aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in Liberia) from returning to Liberia in safety. See INA section 244(b)(1)(C), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(1)(C). It is not contrary to the national interest of the United States to permit Liberian nationals (or aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in Liberia) who meet the eligibility requirements of TPS to remain in the United States temporarily. See INA section 244(b)(1)(C), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(1)(C). The designation of Liberia for TPS should be extended for a 6-month period from May 22, 2016, through November 21, 2016. See INA section 244(b)(3)(C), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(C). Requests for advance travel authorization (``advance parole'') for travel to Guinea, Liberia, or Sierra Leone no longer require demonstration of extraordinary circumstances in order to be approvable. There are approximately 2,085 current Liberia TPS beneficiaries who are expected to file for re-registration under the extension. Notice of Extension of the TPS Designation of Liberia By the authority vested in me as Secretary under INA section 244, 8 U.S.C. 1254a, I have determined, after consultation with the appropriate Government agencies, that conditions supporting Liberia's November 2014 designation for TPS continue to be met. See INA section 244(b)(3)(A), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(A). On the basis of this determination, I am extending the existing designation of Liberia for TPS for 6 months, from May 22, 2016, through November 21, 2016. See INA section 244(b)(3)(C), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(C). Jeh Charles Johnson, Secretary. Required Application Forms and Application Fees To Register or Re- register for TPS To register or re-register for TPS based on the designation of Liberia, you must submit each of the following applications: 1. Application for Temporary Protected Status (Form I-821) If you are filing an application for late initial registration, you must pay the fee for the Application for Temporary Protected Status (Form I-821). See 8 CFR 244.2(f)(2) and 244.6 and information on late initial filing on the USCIS TPS Web page at http://www.uscis.gov/tps. If you are filing an application for re-registration, you do not need to pay the fee for the Application for Temporary Protected Status (Form I-821). See 8 CFR 244.17. 2. Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765) If you are applying for late initial registration and want an EAD, you must pay the fee for the Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765) only if you are age 14 through 65. You do not need to pay this fee if you are under the age of 14 or are 66 or older. If you are applying for re-registration, you must pay the fee for the Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765), regardless of your age, if you want an EAD. You do not pay the fee for the Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765) if you are not requesting an EAD, regardless of whether you are applying for late initial registration or re- registration. You must submit both completed application forms together. If you are unable to pay the application fee and/or biometrics fee, you may complete a Request for Fee Waiver (Form I-912) or submit a personal letter requesting a fee waiver with satisfactory supporting documentation. For more information on the application forms and fees for TPS, please visit the USCIS TPS Web page at http://www.uscis.gov/tps. Fees for the Application for Temporary Protected Status (Form I- 821), the Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765), and biometric services are also described in 8 CFR 103.7(b). Biometric Services Fee Biometrics (such as fingerprints) are required for all applicants 14 years and older. Those applicants must submit a biometric services fee. As previously stated, if you are unable to pay for the biometric services fee, you may complete a Request for Fee Waiver (Form I-912) or submit a personal letter requesting a fee waiver with satisfactory supporting documentation. For more information on the biometric services fee, please visit the USCIS Web site at [[Page 15331]] http://www.uscis.gov. If necessary, you may be required to visit an Application Support Center to have your biometrics captured. Re-filing a Re-registration TPS Application After Receiving a Denial of a Fee Waiver Request You should file as soon as possible within the 60-day re- registration period so USCIS can process your application and issue any EAD promptly. Filing early will also allow you to have time to re-file your application before the deadline, should USCIS deny your fee waiver request. If, however, you receive a denial of your fee waiver request and are unable to re-file by the re-registration deadline, you may still re-file your application. This situation will be reviewed to determine whether you established good cause for late re-registration. However, you are urged to re-file within 45 days of the date on any USCIS fee waiver denial notice, if possible. See INA section 244(c)(3)(C); 8 U.S.C. 1254a(c)(3)(C); 8 CFR 244.17(c). For more information on good cause for late re-registration, visit the USCIS TPS Web page at http://www.uscis.gov/tps. Note: Although a re-registering TPS beneficiary age 14 and older must pay the biometric services fee (but not the initial TPS application fee) when filing a TPS re-registration application, you may decide to wait to request an EAD, and therefore not pay the Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765) fee until after USCIS has approved your TPS re-registration, if you are eligible. If you choose to do this, you would file the Application for Temporary Protected Status (Form I-821) with the biometrics fee and the Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765) without the fee and without requesting an EAD. Mailing Information Mail your application for TPS to the proper address in Table 1. Table 1--Mailing Addresses ------------------------------------------------------------------------ If . . . Mail to . . . ------------------------------------------------------------------------ You are applying through the U.S. Postal USCIS, Attn: TPS Liberia, Service. P.O. Box 6943, Chicago, IL 60680-6943. You are using a non-U.S. Postal Service USCIS, Attn: TPS Liberia, delivery service. 131 S. Dearborn Street, 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60603- 5517. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you were granted TPS by an Immigration Judge (IJ) or the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and you wish to request an EAD or are re- registering for the first time following a grant of TPS by an IJ or the BIA, please mail your application to the appropriate mailing address in Table 1. After you submit your application and receive a USCIS receipt number, please send an email to the appropriate USCIS Service Center handling your application, providing the receipt number and stating that you submitted a re-registration and/or request for an EAD based on an IJ/BIA grant of TPS. This will aid in the verification of your grant of TPS and processing of your application, as USCIS may not have received records of your grant of TPS by either the IJ or the BIA. To get additional information, including the email address of the appropriate Service Center, you may go to the USCIS TPS Web page at http://www.uscis.gov/tps. E-Filing You cannot electronically file your application when re-registering or submitting an initial registration for Liberia TPS. Please mail your application to the mailing address listed in Table 1. Supporting Documents The filing instructions on the Application for Temporary Protected Status (Form I-821) list all the documents needed to establish basic eligibility for TPS. You must also submit two color passport-style photographs of yourself. You may also find information on the acceptable documentation and other requirements for applying or registering for TPS on the USCIS Web site at www.uscis.gov/tps under ``Liberia.'' Do I need to submit additional supporting documentation? If one or more of the questions listed in Part 4, Question 2 of the Application for Temporary Protected Status (Form I-821) applies to you, then you must submit an explanation on a separate sheet(s) of paper and/or additional documentation. Employment Authorization Document (EAD) How can I obtain information on the status of my EAD request? To get case status information about your TPS application, including the status of a request for an EAD, you can check Case Status Online at http://www.uscis.gov, or call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833). If your Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765) has been pending for more than 90 days, and you still need assistance, you may request an EAD inquiry appointment with USCIS by using the InfoPass system at https://infopass.uscis.gov. However, we strongly encourage you first to check Case Status Online or call the USCIS National Customer Service Center for assistance before making an InfoPass appointment. Am I eligible to receive an automatic 6-month extension of my current EAD through November 21, 2016? Provided that you currently have TPS under the designation of Liberia, this Notice automatically extends your EAD by 6 months if you: Are a national of Liberia (or an alien having no nationality who last habitually resided in Liberia); Received an EAD under the November 2014 designation of Liberia for TPS; and Have an EAD with a marked expiration date of May 21, 2016, bearing the notation ``A-12'' or ``C-19'' on the face of the card under ``Category.'' Although this Notice automatically extends your EAD through November 21, 2016, you must re-register timely for TPS in accordance with the procedures described in this Notice if you would like to maintain your TPS. When hired, what documentation may I show to my employer as proof of employment authorization and identity when completing Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9)? You can find a list of acceptable document choices on the ``Lists of Acceptable Documents'' for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9). You can find additional detailed information on the USCIS I-9 Central Web page at http://www.uscis.gov/I-9Central. Employers are required to verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees by using Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9). Within 3 days of being hired, you must present proof of identity and employment authorization to your employer. You may present any document from List A (reflecting both your identity and employment authorization) or one document from List B (reflecting identity) together with one document from List C (reflecting employment authorization). An EAD is an acceptable document under ``List A.'' You may present an acceptable receipt for a List A, List B, or List C document as described in the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) Instructions. An acceptable receipt is one that shows an employee has applied to replace a document that was lost, stolen or [[Page 15332]] damaged. If you present an acceptable receipt, you must present your employer with the actual document within 90 days. Employers may not reject a document based on a future expiration date. If your EAD has an expiration date of May 21, 2016, and states ``A- 12'' or ``C-19'' under ``Category,'' it has been extended automatically for 6 months by virtue of this Federal Register Notice, and you may choose to present your EAD to your employer as proof of identity and employment authorization for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) through November 21, 2016 (see the subsection titled ``How do my employer and I complete the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) using an automatically extended EAD for a new job?'' for further information). To minimize confusion over this extension at the time of hire, you should explain to your employer that USCIS has automatically extended your EAD through November 21, 2016, based on your Temporary Protected Status. You are also strongly encouraged, although not required, to show your employer a copy of this Federal Register Notice confirming the automatic extension of employment authorization through November 21, 2016. As an alternative to presenting your automatically extended EAD, you may choose to present any other acceptable document from List A, or a combination of one selection from List B and one selection from List C. What documentation may I show my employer if I am already employed but my current TPS-related EAD is set to expire? Even though EADs with an expiration date of May 21, 2016, that state ``A-12'' or ``C-19'' under ``Category'' have been automatically extended for 6 months by this Federal Register Notice, your employer will need to ask you about your continued employment authorization once May 21, 2016, is reached to meet its responsibilities for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9). Your employer does not need to complete a new Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) to reverify your employment authorization until November 21, 2016, the expiration date of the automatic extension, but may need to reinspect your automatically extended EAD to check the expiration date and code to record the updated expiration date on your Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) if your employer did not keep a copy of this EAD at the time you initially presented it. You and your employer must make corrections to the employment authorization expiration dates in Section 1 and Section 2 of Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I- 9) (see the subsection titled ``What corrections should my current employer and I make to Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) if my EAD has been automatically extended?'' for further information). You are also strongly encouraged, although not required, to show this Federal Register Notice to your employer to explain what to do for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9). By November 21, 2016, the expiration date of the automatic extension, your employer must reverify your employment authorization. At that time, you must present any unexpired document from List A or any unexpired document from List C on Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) to reverify employment authorization, or an acceptable List A or List C receipt described in the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) instructions. Your employer is required to reverify on Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) the employment authorization of current employees upon the automatically extended expiration date of a TPS-related EAD, which is November 21, 2016, in this case. Your employer should use either Section 3 of the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) originally completed for the employee or, if this section has already been completed or if the version of Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) is no longer valid, complete Section 3 of a new Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) using the most current version. Note that your employer may not specify which List A or List C document employees must present, and cannot reject an acceptable receipt. An acceptable receipt is one that shows an employee has applied to replace a document that was lost, stolen or damaged. Can my employer require that I produce any other documentation to prove my current TPS status, such as proof of my Liberian citizenship or proof that I have re-registered for TPS? No. When completing Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9), including reverifying employment authorization, employers must accept any documentation that appears on the ``Lists of Acceptable Documents'' for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) that reasonably appears to be genuine and that relates to you or an acceptable List A, List B, or List C receipt. Employers may not request documentation that does not appear on the ``Lists of Acceptable Documents.'' Therefore, employers may not request proof of Liberian citizenship or proof of re- registration for TPS when completing Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) for new hires or reverifying the employment authorization of current employees. Refer to the ``Note to Employees'' section of this Notice for important information about your rights if your employer rejects lawful documentation, requires additional documentation, or otherwise discriminates against you based on your citizenship or immigration status, or your national origin. Note that although you are not required to provide your employer with a copy of this Federal Register Notice, you are strongly encouraged to do so to help avoid confusion. What happens after November 21, 2016, for purposes of employment authorization? After November 21, 2016, employers may no longer accept the EADs that this Federal Register Notice automatically extended. New EADs requested and issued under this TPS extension will also expire on November 21, 2016, unless automatically extended by a subsequent Federal Register Notice. How do my employer and I complete Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) using an automatically extended EAD for a new job? When using an automatically extended EAD to complete Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) for a new job before November 21, 2016, you and your employer should do the following: 1. For Section 1, you should: a. Check ``An alien authorized to work;'' b. Write the automatically extended EAD expiration date (November 21, 2016) in the first space; and c. Write your alien number (USCIS number or A-number) in the second space (your EAD or other document from DHS will have your USCIS number or A-number printed on it; the USCIS number is the same as your A- number without the A prefix). 2. For Section 2, employers should record the: a. Document title; b. Issuing authority; c. Document number; and d. Automatically extended EAD expiration date (November 21, 2016). By November 21, 2016, employers must reverify the employee's employment authorization in Section 3 of the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9). [[Page 15333]] What corrections should my current employer and I make to Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) if my EAD has been automatically extended? If you are an existing employee who presented a TPS-related EAD that was valid when you first started your job but that EAD has now been automatically extended, your employer may reinspect your automatically extended EAD if the employer does not have a photocopy of the EAD on file, and you and your employer should correct your previously completed Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) as follows: 1. For Section 1, you should: a. Draw a line through the expiration date in the first space; b. Write ``November 21, 2016'' above the previous date; c. Write ``TPS Ext.'' in the margin of Section 1; and d. Initial and date the correction in the margin of Section 1. 2. For Section 2, employers should: a. Draw a line through the expiration date written in Section 2; b. Write ``November 21, 2016'' above the previous date; c. Write ``EAD Ext.'' in the margin of Section 2; and d. Initial and date the correction in the margin of Section 2. By November 21, 2016, when the automatic extension of EADs expires, employers must reverify the employee's employment authorization in Section 3. If I am an employer enrolled in E-Verify, what do I do when I receive a ``Work Authorization Documents Expiration'' alert for an automatically extended EAD? If you are an employer who participates in E-Verify and you have an employee who is a TPS beneficiary who provided a TPS-related EAD when he or she first started working for you, you will receive a ``Work Authorization Documents Expiring'' case alert when this EAD is about to expire. Usually, this message is an alert to complete Section 3 of the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) to reverify an employee's employment authorization. For existing employees with TPS- related EADs that have been automatically extended, employers should dismiss this alert by clicking the red ``X'' in the ``dismiss alert'' column and follow the instructions above explaining how to correct the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9). By November 21, 2016, employment authorization must be reverified in Section 3. Employers should never use E-Verify for reverification. Note to All Employers Employers are reminded that the laws requiring proper employment eligibility verification and prohibiting unfair immigration-related employment practices remain in full force. This Notice does not supersede or in any way limit applicable employment verification rules and policy guidance, including those rules setting forth reverification requirements. For general questions about the employment eligibility verification process, employers may call USCIS at 888-464-4218 (TTY 877-875-6028) or email [email protected]. Calls and emails are accepted in English and many other languages. For questions about avoiding discrimination during the employment eligibility verification process, employers may also call the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices (OSC) Employer Hotline, at 800-255-8155 (TTY 800-237-2515), which offers language interpretation in numerous languages, or email OSC at [email protected]. Note to Employees For general questions about the employment eligibility verification process, you may call USCIS at 888-897-7781 (TTY 877-875-6028) or email [email protected]. Calls are accepted in English and many other languages. You may also call the OSC Worker Information Hotline at 800- 255-7688 (TTY 800-237-2515) for information regarding employment discrimination based upon citizenship status, immigration status, or national origin, or for information regarding discrimination related to Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) and E-Verify. The OSC Worker Information Hotline provides language interpretation in numerous languages. To comply with the law, employers must accept any document or combination of documents from the Lists of Acceptable Documents if the documentation reasonably appears to be genuine and to relate to the employee, or an acceptable List A, List B, or List C receipt described in the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) Instructions. Employers may not require extra or additional documentation beyond what is required for Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) completion. Further, employers participating in E-Verify who receive an E-Verify case result of ``Tentative Nonconfirmation'' (TNC) must promptly inform employees of the TNC and give such employees an opportunity to contest the TNC. A TNC case result means that the information entered into E-Verify from Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) differs from Federal or state government records. Employers may not terminate, suspend, delay training, withhold pay, lower pay, or take any adverse action against you based on your decision to contest a TNC or because the case is still pending with E- Verify. A Final Nonconfirmation (FNC) case result is received when E- Verify cannot verify your employment eligibility. An employer may terminate employment based on a case result of FNC. Work-authorized employees who receive an FNC may call USCIS for assistance at 888-897- 7781 (TTY 877-875-6028). If you believe you were discriminated against by an employer in the E-Verify process based on citizenship or immigration status or based on national origin, you may contact OSC's Worker Information Hotline at 800-255-7688 (TTY 800-237-2515). Additional information about proper nondiscriminatory Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) and E-Verify procedures is available on the OSC Web site at http://www.justice.gov/crt/about/osc/ and the USCIS Web site at http://www.dhs.gov/E-verify. Note Regarding Federal, State, and Local Government Agencies (Such as Departments of Motor Vehicles) While Federal Government agencies must follow the guidelines laid out by the Federal Government, State and local government agencies establish their own rules and guidelines when granting certain benefits. Each State may have different laws, requirements, and determinations about what documents you need to provide to prove eligibility for certain benefits. Whether you are applying for a Federal, State, or local government benefit, you may need to provide the government agency with documents that show you are a TPS beneficiary and/or show you are authorized to work based on TPS. Examples are: (1) Your unexpired EAD; (2) A copy of this Federal Register Notice if your EAD is automatically extended under this Notice; (3) A copy of your Application for Temporary Protected Status Notice of Action (Form I-797) for this re-registration; (4) A copy of your past or current Application for Temporary Protected Status Approval Notice (Form I-797), if you received one from USCIS; and/or (5) If there is an automatic extension of work authorization, a copy of the fact sheet from the USCIS TPS Web site that [[Page 15334]] provides information on the automatic extension. Check with the government agency regarding which document(s) the agency will accept. You may also provide the agency with a copy of this Federal Register Notice. Some benefit-granting agencies use the USCIS Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements Program (SAVE) to verify the current immigration status of applicants for public benefits. If such an agency has denied your application based solely or in part on a SAVE response, the agency must offer you the opportunity to appeal the decision in accordance with the agency's procedures. If the agency has received and acted upon or will act upon a SAVE verification and you do not believe the response is correct, you may make an InfoPass appointment for an in-person interview at a local USCIS office. Detailed information on how to make corrections, make an appointment, or submit a written request to correct records under the Freedom of Information Act can be found at the SAVE Web site at http://www.uscis.gov/save, then by choosing ``How to Correct Your Records'' from the menu on the right. [FR Doc. 2016-06328 Filed 3-21-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111-97-P
![15328 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 55 / Tuesday, March 22, 2016 / Notices
navigate with particular caution and Transportation of the Senate a Port DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
within which the direction of traffic Access Route Study (PARS) of SECURITY
flow may be recommended. Nantucket Sound using the standards
Recommended route means a route of and methodology of the Atlantic Coast U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
undefined width, for the convenience of Port Access Route Study, to determine Services
ships in transit, which is often marked whether the Coast Guard should revise [CIS No. 2579–15; DHS Docket No. USCIS–
by centerline buoys. existing regulations to improve 2014–0011]
Recommended track is a route which navigation safety in Nantucket Sound
has been specially examined to ensure due to factors such as increased vessel RIN 1615–ZB47
so far as possible that it is free of traffic, changing vessel traffic patterns,
dangers and along which vessels are weather conditions, or navigational Extension of the Designation of Liberia
advised to navigate. difficulty. The Atlantic Coast Port for Temporary Protected Status
Regulated Navigation Area (RNA) Access Route Study contained in the AGENCY: U.S. Citizenship and
means a water area within a defined ‘‘marine planning guidelines’’ of the Immigration Services, Department of
boundary for which regulations for Study are included in the docket for this Homeland Security.
vessels navigating within the area have notice.
been established under 33 CFR part 165. ACTION: Notice.
B. The purpose of this notice is to
Roundabout means a routing measure announce commencement of this PARS SUMMARY: Through this Notice, the
comprising a separation point or and to solicit public comments. We Department of Homeland Security
circular separation zone and a circular encourage you to participate in the (DHS) announces that the Secretary of
traffic lane within defined limits. Traffic study process by submitting comments Homeland Security (Secretary) is
within the roundabout is separated by in response to this notice. Comments extending the designation of Liberia for
moving in a counterclockwise direction should address impacts to navigation in Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 6
around the separation point or zone. Nantucket Sound resulting from factors
Separation zone or separation line months, from May 22, 2016, through
such as increased vessel traffic, November 21, 2016.
means a zone or line separating the changing vessel traffic patterns, weather
traffic lanes in which ships are The extension allows currently
conditions, or navigational difficulty. eligible TPS beneficiaries to retain TPS
proceeding in opposite or nearly
opposite directions; or separating a IV. This PARS: Timeline, Study Area, through November 21, 2016, so long as
traffic lane from the adjacent sea area; and Process they otherwise continue to meet the
or separating traffic lanes designated for eligibility requirements for TPS. The
The First Coast Guard District will Secretary has determined that an
particular classes of ship proceeding in conduct this PARS. The study will
the same direction. extension is warranted because,
commence upon publication of this although there have been significant
Traffic lane means an area within notice and may take 10 months to
defined limits in which one-way traffic improvements, conditions in Liberia
complete. supporting its November 2014
is established. Natural obstacles, The study area is described as
including those forming separation designation for TPS continue to be met.
Nantucket Sound, an area bounded by a Through this Notice, DHS also sets
zones, may constitute a boundary. line connecting the following
Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) forth procedures necessary for eligible
geographic positions, including the nationals of Liberia (or aliens having no
means a routing measure aimed at the entrance and exit routes to the sound
separation of opposing streams of traffic nationality who last habitually resided
but not the individual harbors. in Liberia) to re-register for TPS and to
by appropriate means and by the • 41°41′ N., 070°00′ W.; apply for renewal of their Employment
establishment of traffic lanes. • 41°20′ N., 070°00′ W.;
Two-way route means a route within Authorization Documents (EADs) with
• 41°16′ N., 070°15′ W.
defined limits inside which two-way U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
• 41°28′ N., 070°40′ W.; and
Services (USCIS). Re-registration is
traffic is established, aimed at providing • 41°34′ N., 070°40′ W.;
safe passage of ships through waters An illustration showing the study area limited to persons who have previously
where navigation is difficult or is available in the docket. registered for TPS under the designation
dangerous. We will publish the results of the of Liberia and whose applications have
Vessel routing system means any PARS in the Federal Register. It is been granted. Certain nationals of
system of one or more routes or routing possible that the study may validate the Liberia (or aliens having no nationality
measures aimed at reducing the risk of status quo (no routing measures) and who last habitually resided in Liberia)
casualties; it includes traffic separation conclude that no changes are necessary. who have not previously applied for
schemes, two-way routes, recommended It is also possible that the study may TPS may be eligible to apply under the
tracks, areas to be avoided, no anchoring recommend one or more changes to late initial registration provisions if they
areas, inshore traffic zones, address navigational safety and the meet (1) at least one of the late initial
roundabouts, precautionary areas, and efficiency of vessel traffic management. filing criteria, and (2) all TPS eligibility
deep-water routes. The recommendations may lead to criteria (including continuous residence
future rulemakings or appropriate in the United States since November 20,
III. Background and Purpose 2014, and continuous physical presence
international agreements.
A. Section 310 of the 2015 Coast in the United States since November 21,
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
This notice is published under the
Guard Authorization Act, Public Law authority of 5 U.S.C. 552(a). 2014).
114–120 signed by the President on For individuals who have already
February 8, 2016, directs the Dated: March 10, 2016. been granted TPS under Liberia’s
Commandant of the Coast Guard to L. L. Fagan, designation, the 60-day re-registration
complete and submit to the Committee Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard, Commander, period runs from March 22, 2016
on Transportation and Infrastructure of First Coast Guard District. through May 23, 2016. USCIS will issue
the House of Representatives and the [FR Doc. 2016–06424 Filed 3–21–16; 8:45 am] new EADs with a November 21, 2016,
Committee on Commerce, Science, and BILLING CODE 9110–04–P expiration date to eligible Liberia TPS
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![15334 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 55 / Tuesday, March 22, 2016 / Notices
provides information on the automatic although there have been significant • For further information on TPS,
extension. improvements, conditions in Sierra including guidance on the application
Check with the government agency Leone supporting its November 2014 process and additional information on
regarding which document(s) the agency designation for TPS continue to be met. eligibility, please visit the USCIS TPS
will accept. You may also provide the Through this Notice, DHS also sets Web page at http://www.uscis.gov/tps.
agency with a copy of this Federal forth procedures necessary for eligible You can find specific information about
Register Notice. nationals of Sierra Leone (or aliens Sierra Leone’s TPS extension by
Some benefit-granting agencies use having no nationality who last selecting ‘‘Sierra Leone’’ from the menu
the USCIS Systematic Alien Verification habitually resided in Sierra Leone) to re- on the left side of the TPS Web page.
for Entitlements Program (SAVE) to register for TPS and to apply for renewal • For questions concerning this FRN,
verify the current immigration status of of their Employment Authorization you can also contact Jerry Rigdon, Chief
applicants for public benefits. If such an Documents (EADs) with U.S. of the Waivers and Temporary Services
agency has denied your application Citizenship and Immigration Services Branch, Service Center Operations
based solely or in part on a SAVE (USCIS). Re-registration is limited to Directorate, U.S. Citizenship and
response, the agency must offer you the persons who have previously registered Immigration Services, Department of
opportunity to appeal the decision in for TPS under the designation of Sierra Homeland Security, 20 Massachusetts
accordance with the agency’s Leone and whose applications have Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529–
procedures. If the agency has received been granted. Certain nationals of Sierra 2060; or by phone at (202) 272–1533
and acted upon or will act upon a SAVE Leone (or aliens having no nationality (this is not a toll-free number). Note:
verification and you do not believe the who last habitually resided in Sierra The phone number provided here is
response is correct, you may make an Leone) who have not previously applied solely for questions regarding this TPS
InfoPass appointment for an in-person for TPS may be eligible to apply under Notice. It is not for individual case
interview at a local USCIS office. the late initial registration provisions if status inquires.
Detailed information on how to make they meet (1) at least one of the late • Applicants seeking information
corrections, make an appointment, or initial filing criteria, and (2) all TPS about the status of their individual cases
submit a written request to correct eligibility criteria (including continuous can check Case Status Online, available
records under the Freedom of residence in the United States since at the USCIS Web site at http://
Information Act can be found at the November 20, 2014, and continuous www.uscis.gov, or call the USCIS
SAVE Web site at http://www.uscis.gov/ physical presence in the United States National Customer Service Center at
save, then by choosing ‘‘How to Correct since November 21, 2014). 800–375–5283 (TTY 800–767–1833).
Your Records’’ from the menu on the • Further information will also be
For individuals who have already
right. available at local USCIS offices upon
been granted TPS under Sierra Leone’s
publication of this Notice.
[FR Doc. 2016–06328 Filed 3–21–16; 8:45 am] designation, the 60-day re-registration
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
BILLING CODE 9111–97–P period runs from March 22, 2016
through May 23, 2016. USCIS will issue Table of Abbreviations
new EADs with a November 21, 2016, BIA—Board of Immigration Appeals
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND expiration date to eligible Sierra Leone DHS—Department of Homeland Security
SECURITY TPS beneficiaries who timely re-register DOS—Department of State
and apply for EADs under this EAD—Employment Authorization Document
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration extension. Given the timeframes EVD—Ebola Virus Disease
Services involved with processing TPS re- FNC—Final Nonconfirmation
registration applications, DHS Government—U.S. Government
[CIS No. 2580–15; DHS Docket No. USCIS–
recognizes that not all re-registrants will IJ—Immigration Judge
2014–0009]
INA—Immigration and Nationality Act
receive new EADs before their current OSC—U.S. Department of Justice, Office of
RIN 1615–ZB48
EADs expire on May 21, 2016. Special Counsel for Immigration-Related
Extension of the Designation of Sierra Accordingly, through this Notice, DHS Unfair Employment Practices
Leone for Temporary Protected Status automatically extends the validity of SAVE—USCIS Systematic Alien Verification
EADs issued under the TPS designation for Entitlements Program
AGENCY: U.S. Citizenship and of Sierra Leone for 6 months, through Secretary—Secretary of Homeland Security
Immigration Services, Department of November 21, 2016, and explains how TNC—Tentative Nonconfirmation
TPS—Temporary Protected Status
Homeland Security. TPS beneficiaries and their employers TTY—Text Telephone
ACTION: Notice. may determine which EADs are USCIS—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
automatically extended and their impact Services
SUMMARY: Through this Notice, the on the Employment Eligibility
Department of Homeland Security Verification (Form I–9) and E-Verify What is temporary protected status
(DHS) announces that the Secretary of processes. (TPS)?
Homeland Security (Secretary) is • TPS is a temporary immigration
extending the designation of Sierra DATES: The 6-month extension of the status granted to eligible nationals of a
Leone for Temporary Protected Status TPS designation of Sierra Leone is country designated for TPS under the
(TPS) for 6 months, from May 22, 2016, effective May 22, 2016, and will remain Immigration and Nationality Act (INA),
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
through November 21, 2016. in effect through November 21, 2016. or to eligible persons without
The extension allows currently The 60-day re-registration period runs nationality who last habitually resided
eligible TPS beneficiaries to retain TPS from March 22, 2016 through May 23, in the designated country.
through November 21, 2016, so long as 2016. (Note: It is important for re- • During the TPS designation period,
they otherwise continue to meet the registrants to timely re-register during TPS beneficiaries are eligible to remain
eligibility requirements for TPS. The this 60-day period and not to wait until in the United States, may not be
Secretary has determined that an their EADs expire.) removed, and are authorized to work
extension is warranted because, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: and obtain EADs so long as they
VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:34 Mar 21, 2016 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00115 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\22MRN1.SGM 22MRN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/81_FR_15383/page/7.svg)
Document Created: 2018-02-02 15:16:01
Document Modified: 2018-02-02 15:16:01
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | Notice. | |
| Dates | The 6-month extension of the TPS designation of Liberia is effective May 22, 2016, and will remain in effect through November 21, 2016. The 60-day re-registration period runs from March 22, 2016 through May 23, 2016. (Note: It is important for re-registrants to timely re-register during this 60-day period and not to wait until their EADs expire.) | |
| Contact | <bullet> For further information on TPS, including guidance on the application process and additional information on eligibility, please visit the USCIS TPS Web page at http://www.uscis.gov/tps. You can find specific information about Liberia's TPS extension by selecting ``Liberia'' from the menu on the left side of the TPS Web page. | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 15328 | |
| RIN Number | 1615-ZB47 |
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