82 FR 44205 - Extension of South Sudan for Temporary Protected Status
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 182 (September 21, 2017)
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 182 (September 21, 2017)
| Page Range | 44205-44211 | |
| FR Document | 2017-20174 |
[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 182 (Thursday, September 21, 2017)] [Notices] [Pages 44205-44211] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2017-20174] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services [CIS No. 2611-17; DHS Docket No. USCIS-2014-0004] RIN 1615-ZB67 Extension of South Sudan 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 South Sudan for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from November 3, 2017, through May 2, 2019. This Notice also sets forth procedures necessary for nationals of South Sudan (or aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in South Sudan) to re-register for TPS and to apply for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS will issue new EADs with a May 2, 2019 expiration date to eligible South Sudan TPS beneficiaries who timely re-register and apply for EADs under this extension. Provided a South Sudan TPS beneficiary timely re-registers and properly files an application for an EAD during the 60-day re-registration period, his or her EAD will be automatically extended for an additional period not to exceed 180 days from the date the current EAD expires, i.e., through May 1, 2018. See 8 CFR 274a.13(d)(1). DATES: Extension of Designation of South Sudan for TPS: The 18-month extension of the TPS designation of South Sudan is effective on November 3, 2017, and will remain in effect through May 2, 2019. The 60-day re-registration period runs from September 21, 2017 through November 20, 2017. (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 this extension of South Sudan's TPS designation by selecting ``South Sudan'' from the menu on the left side of the TPS Web page. You can also contact Alexander King, Branch Chief, 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) 272-8377 (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 inquiries. 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). Service is available in English and Spanish. 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 FNC--Final Nonconfirmation Government--U.S. Government IJ--Immigration Judge INA--Immigration and Nationality Act IER--U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) 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 The extension allows currently eligible TPS beneficiaries to retain TPS through May 2, 2019, so long as they otherwise continue to meet the eligibility requirements for TPS. The Secretary determined that an extension of the current designation of South Sudan for TPS is warranted because the ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions that prompted the 2016 TPS redesignation have persisted, and in some cases deteriorated, and would pose a serious threat to the personal safety of South Sudanese nationals if they were required to return to their country. The Secretary also has determined that permitting such South Sudanese nationals to continue to remain in the United States is not contrary to the national interest of the United States. Through this Notice, DHS sets forth procedures necessary for eligible nationals of South Sudan (or aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in South Sudan) to re-register under the extension if they already have TPS and to apply for renewal of their EADs with USCIS. Certain individuals may be eligible to file a late initial application for TPS if they meet the conditions described in 8 CFR 244.2(f)(2). Information on late initial filing is also available on the USCIS TPS Web site link at www.uscis.gov/tps. For individuals who have already been granted TPS, the 60-day re- registration period runs from September 21, 2017 through November 20, 2017. USCIS will issue new EADs with a May 2, 2019 expiration date to eligible South Sudan TPS 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 November 2, 2017. However, provided a South Sudan TPS beneficiary timely re-registers and properly files an application for an EAD during the 60-day re-registration period, his or her EAD will be automatically extended for an additional period not to exceed 180 days from the date the current EAD expires, i.e., through May 1, 2018. This notice explains how TPS beneficiaries and their employers may determine which EADs are automatically extended and their impact on Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) and the E-Verify processes. Approximately 70 South Sudan TPS beneficiaries are expected to file for re-registration under the extension. Individuals who have a pending initial South Sudan TPS application will not need to file a new Application for Temporary Protected Status (Form I-821). DHS provides additional instructions in this Notice for individuals whose TPS applications remain pending and who would like to obtain an EAD valid through May 2, 2019. [[Page 44206]] 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 and so long as a TPS beneficiary continues to meet the requirements of TPS, he or she is eligible to remain in the United States, may not be removed, and is authorized to work and obtain an EAD. TPS beneficiaries may also apply for and be granted travel authorization as a matter of discretion. The granting of TPS does not result in or lead to lawful permanent resident status. To qualify for TPS, beneficiaries must meet the eligibility standards at INA section 244(c)(2), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(c)(2). When the Secretary terminates a country's TPS designation, beneficiaries return to the same immigration status they maintained before TPS, if any (unless that status has since expired or been terminated), or to any other lawfully obtained immigration status they received while registered for TPS that is still valid on the date TPS terminates. When was South Sudan designated for TPS? On October 13, 2011, the Secretary designated South Sudan for TPS, effective November 3, 2011, based on an ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions within South Sudan. See Designation of Republic of South Sudan for Temporary Protected Status, 76 FR 63629 (Oct. 13, 2011). Following the initial designation, the Secretary has extended and redesignated South Sudan for TPS three times. Most recently, in 2016, the Secretary both extended South Sudan's designation and redesignated South Sudan for TPS for 18 months through November 2, 2017. See Extension and Redesignation of South Sudan for Temporary Protected Status, 81 FR 4051 (Jan. 25, 2016). What authority does the Secretary have to extend the designation of South Sudan 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 does not determine that a foreign state no longer meets the conditions for TPS designation, the designation will be extended for an additional period of 6 months or, in the Secretary's discretion, 12, or 18 months. See INA section 244(b)(3)(A), (C), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(A), (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 South Sudan through May 2, 2019? DHS and the Department of State (DOS) have reviewed conditions in South Sudan. Based on the reviews and after consulting with DOS, the Secretary has determined that an 18-month extension is warranted because the ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions that prompted the May 3, 2016 redesignation have persisted, and, in many cases, deteriorated. South Sudan is engulfed in an ongoing civil war marked by brutal violence against civilians, egregious human rights violations and abuses, and a humanitarian disaster on a devastating scale across the country. In July 2016, following a failed peace agreement, fighting broke out in Juba between the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) and the Sudan People's Liberation Army--In Opposition (SPLA-IO). During and after the battle, there were widespread attacks on civilians, including ethnically based killings and sexual assaults, resulting in significant displacement. After the battle ended in Juba, violence escalated and expanded to other parts of the country, with the government's counter- insurgency operations reportedly entailing mass atrocities and destruction of villages. Women and children have been particularly affected by the conflict. Sexual and gender-based violence is widespread, and rape is used widely as a weapon of war. In March 2017, the United Nations Human Rights Council reported that there had been a 61 percent increase in the number of incidents of sexual or gender-based violence reported between 2015 and 2016. The conflict has deprived children of education and basic health services, and left them at risk of being killed, abducted, sexually assaulted, and recruited as child soldiers. South Sudan is the largest source of displacement in Africa. At the end of August 2017, approximately 3.9 million people had been displaced, including 2 million who fled to neighboring states and 1.9 million internally displaced persons, of which at least 50 percent were children. South Sudan is experiencing an unprecedented level of food insecurity due to the protracted violence, displacement, and the lack of access for humanitarian actors to deliver aid. As of August 2017, about 50 percent of the population (6 million people) was estimated to be acutely food insecure. In addition to the ongoing conflict, South Sudan is experiencing a severe economic crisis. In 2016, the South Sudanese pound depreciated 70 percent against the dollar. Year-on-year inflation from January 2016 to January 2017 was around 400 percent. Based upon this review and after consultation with appropriate Government agencies, the Secretary has determined that: The conditions that prompted the 2016 redesignation of South Sudan 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 continues to be an ongoing armed conflict in South Sudan and, due to such conflict, requiring the return of South Sudanese nationals (or aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in South Sudan) to South Sudan would pose a serious threat to their personal safety. See INA section 244(b)(1)(A), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(1)(A). There continue to be extraordinary and temporary conditions in South Sudan that prevent South Sudanese nationals (or aliens having no [[Page 44207]] nationality who last habitually resided in South Sudan) from returning to South Sudan 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 South Sudanese (or aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in South Sudan) 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 South Sudan for TPS should be extended for an 18-month period from November 3, 2017, through May 2, 2019. See INA section 244(b)(3)(C), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(C). Notice of Extension of the TPS Designation of South Sudan 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 the conditions that prompted the redesignation of TPS for South Sudan in 2016 not only continue to be met, but have significantly deteriorated. 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 TPS for South Sudan for 18 months, from November 3, 2017, through May 2, 2019. See INA section 244(b)(1)(A), (b)(1)(C); 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(1)(A), (b)(1)(C). Elaine C. Duke, Acting Secretary. Required Application Forms and Application Fees to Register or Re- Register for TPS To file a late initial registration or re-register for TPS based on the designation of South Sudan, you must submit each of the following applications: 1. Application for Temporary Protected Status (Form I-821): If you are filing a late initial application, you must pay the fee (or request a fee waiver) for the Form I-821. See 8 CFR 244.2(f)(2) and 244.6. If you are filing an application for re-registration, you do not need to pay the fee for the 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 (or request a fee waiver) for the Form I- 765 only if you are age 14 through 65. You do not need to pay the Form I-765 fee if you are under the age of 14 or are 66 and older, applying for late initial registration and you want an EAD. If you are applying for re-registration and want an EAD, you must pay the fee (or request a fee waiver) for the Form I-765, regardless of your age. If you are applying for late initial registration or re- registration and do not want an EAD, you do not have to pay the Form I- 765 fee. If you do not want to request an EAD now, you may also file Form I-765 later to request an EAD and pay the fee (or request a fee waiver), provided that you still have TPS or a pending TPS application. Your EAD application will be considered timely filed even if the date on your current TPS-related EAD has expired. But unless you timely re-register and properly file an EAD application, the validity of your current EAD will end on November 2, 2017. Accordingly, you must also properly file your EAD application during the 60-day re- registration period for your current employment authorization document to be automatically extended for 180 days (i.e., through May 1, 2018). You are strongly encouraged to properly file your EAD application as early as possible during the 60-day re-registration period to avoid lapses in your employment authorization and to ensure that you receive your Form I-797C, Notice of Action, prior to November 2, 2017. You must submit both completed Forms I-821 and I-765 together. If you are unable to pay for 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 Form I-821, the Form I-765, and biometric services are also described in 8 CFR 103.7(b)(1)(i). Biometric Services Fee Biometrics (such as fingerprints) are required for all applicants 14 years of age or 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 apply for a fee waiver by completing a Form I-912 or by submitting a personal letter requesting a fee waiver, and providing satisfactory supporting documentation. For more information on the biometric services fee, please see the Instructions to Form I-821 or visit the USCIS Web site at http://www.uscis.gov. If necessary, you may be required to visit an Application Support Center (ASC) to have your biometrics captured. In such case, USCIS will send you an ASC scheduling notice. 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 period so that USCIS can process your application and issue any EAD promptly. Properly filing early will also allow you time to re-file your application before the deadline and receive a Form I-797C demonstrating your EAD's automatic extension, should USCIS deny your fee waiver request. If, however, you receive a denial of your fee waiver request and you 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 have 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 at all possible. See INA section 244(c)(3)(C); 8 U.S.C. 1254a(c)(3)(C); 8 CFR 244.17(b). 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 Form I-821 fee) when filing a TPS re- registration application, you may decide to wait to request an EAD, and therefore not pay the 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 Form I-821 with the biometrics services fee, if applicable, (or request a fee waiver) and the 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. [[Page 44208]] Table 1--Mailing Addresses ------------------------------------------------------------------------ If . . . Mail to . . . ------------------------------------------------------------------------ You are applying through the U.S. USCIS, Attn: TPS South Sudan, Postal Service. P.O. Box 6943, Chicago, IL 60680-6943. For FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:.... USCIS, Attn: TPS South Sudan, 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 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. When re-registering and/or requesting an EAD based on an IJ/ BIA grant of TPS, please include a copy of the IJ or BIA order granting you TPS with your application. 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. Supporting Documents Do I need to submit additional supporting documentation when reregistering for TPS? If one or more of the questions listed in Part 4, Question 2 of the 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 get 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, available at http://www.uscis.gov, or call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833). If your 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 extension of my current EAD while I wait for my new one to arrive? Provided that you currently have a South Sudan TPS-based EAD, you may be eligible to have the validity of your current EAD extended for 180 days (through May 1, 2018) if you: Are a national of South Sudan (or an alien having no nationality who last habitually resided in South Sudan); Received an EAD under the designation of South Sudan for TPS; Have an EAD with a marked expiration date of November 2, 2017, bearing the notation ``A-12'' or ``C-19'' on the face of the card under ``Category;'' Timely re-registered for TPS during the 60-day re- registration period; and Properly filed an application for an EAD during the 60-day re-registration period. You must timely re-register for TPS in accordance with the procedures described in this Notice if you would like to maintain your TPS and in order to have the validity of your current EAD extended by 180 days. You are strongly encouraged to file your EAD renewal application as early as possible during the 60-day re-registration period to avoid lapses in documentation of your employment authorization. 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 Form I-9. You can find additional detailed information about Form I-9 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 Form I-9. Within three days of hire, an employee must present evidence of identity and employment authorization to his or her employer by presenting documentation sufficient to satisfy Form I-9 requirements. You may present any document from List A (which provides evidence of both identity and employment authorization), or one document from List B (which provides evidence of your identity) together with one document from List C (which is evidence of employment authorization), or you may present an acceptable receipt for List A, List B, or List C documents as described in the Form I-9 Instructions. An EAD is an acceptable document under List A. Employers may not reject a document based on a future expiration date. If your EAD has an expiration date of November 2, 2017, and states ``A-12'' or ``C-19'' under ``Category,'' and you timely and properly filed an EAD renewal application during the 60-day re-registration period, you may choose to present your EAD to your employer together with the Form I-797C Notice of Action (showing the qualifying eligibility category of either A12 or C19) as a List A document that provides evidence of your identity and employment authorization for Form I-9 through May 1, 2018, unless your TPS has been finally withdrawn or your request for TPS has been finally denied. 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 your EAD has been automatically extended through May 1, 2018. You may also provide your employer with a copy of this Federal Register Notice which explains how your EAD could be automatically extended; however, this Federal Register Notice is not acceptable evidence that your EAD has been automatically extended. As an alternative to presenting evidence of your automatically extended EAD, you may choose to present any other acceptable document from List A, a combination of one selection from List B and one selection from List C, or a valid receipt. What documentation may I show my employer for my Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) if I am already employed but my current TPS- related EAD is set to expire? Even though you may be eligible to have your EAD automatically extended, your employer will need to ask you about your continued employment authorization no later than before you start work on November 3, 2017 to meet its responsibilities for Form I-9. You [[Page 44209]] will need to present your employer with evidence that you are still authorized to work. Once presented, you may correct your employment authorization expiration date in Section 1, and your employer should correct the employment authorization document expiration date in Section 2 of 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 employment authorization has been automatically extended?'' for further information. In addition, you may also show this Notice to your employer to explain what to do for Form I-9. When you properly file your Form I-765 to renew your current EAD, you will receive a USCIS receipt notice (Form I-797C). The receipt notice will state that your current ``A-12'' or ``C-19'' coded EAD is automatically extended for 180 days. You may show this receipt notice to your employer along with your EAD to confirm your EAD has been automatically extended through May 1, 2018, unless your TPS has been finally withdrawn or your request for TPS has been finally denied. You may also show this Federal Register Notice to your employer to minimize confusion; however, this Federal Register Notice is not acceptable evidence that your EAD has been automatically extended. To avoid delays in receiving the Form I-797C and a lapse in your employment authorization, you should file your EAD renewal application as early as possible during the re-registration period. The last date of the automatic EAD extension is May 1, 2018. Before you start work on May 2, 2018, your employer must reverify your employment authorization. At that time, you must present any document from List A or any document from List C on Form I-9 Lists of Acceptable Documents, or an acceptable List A or List C receipt described in the Form I-9 Instructions to reverify employment authorization. Your employer should either complete Section 3 of the Form I-9 originally completed for you; or if this section has already been completed or if the version of Form I-9 has expired (check the date in the bottom left- hand corner of the form), complete Section 3 of a new Form I-9, ensuring it is the most current version. Note that your employer may not specify which List A or List C document you must present and cannot reject an acceptable receipt. Can my employer require that I provide any other documentation to prove my status, such as proof of my South Sudanese citizenship? No. When completing Form I-9, including reverifying employment authorization, employers must accept any documentation that appears on the appropriate ``Lists of Acceptable Documents'' for 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 South Sudanese citizenship or proof of re-registration for TPS when completing Form I-9 for new hires or reverifying the employment authorization of current employees. If the expired EAD with category A- 12 or C-19 is presented with the Form I-797C Notice of Action as described herein, an employer should accept this document combination as a valid List A document so long as the EAD reasonably appears to be genuine and to relate to the employee. 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. How do my employer and I complete Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) on the basis of automatically extended employment authorization for a new job? As proof of the automatic extension of your employment authorization, you may present your expired EAD with category A-12 or C-19 in combination with the Form I-797C Notice of Action showing that the EAD renewal application was timely filed and that the qualifying eligibility category is either A-12 or C-19. Unless your TPS has been finally withdrawn or your request for TPS has been finally denied, this document combination is considered an unexpired Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766) under List A. When completing Form I-9 for a new job you are starting before May 2, 2018, you and your employer should do the following: 1. For Section 1, you should: a. Check ``An alien authorized to work until'' and enter the date that is 180 days from the date your current EAD expires (May 1, 2018) as the ``expiration date, if applicable, mm/dd/yyyy''; and b. Enter your Alien Number/USCIS number or A-Number where indicated (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. When completing Section 2, employers should: a. Determine if the EAD is auto-extended for 180 days by ensuring: It is in category A-12 or C-19; The ``received date'' on Form I-797 is on or before the end of the 60-day re-registration period stated in this Notice; and The category code on the EAD is the same category code on Form I-797C, noting that employers should consider category codes A-12 and C-19 to be the same category code. b. Write in the document title; c. Enter the issuing authority; d. Provide the document number; and e. Insert May 1, 2018, the date that is 180 days from the date the current EAD expires. By the start of work on May 2, 2018, employers must reverify the employee's employment authorization in Section 3 of the Form I-9. What corrections should my current employer and I make to Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) if my employment authorization 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 and your employment authorization has now been automatically extended because you timely and properly filed a new application for employment authorization during the 60-day re-registration period, you may present your expired EAD with category A-12 or C-19 in combination with the Form I-797C Notice of Action. The Form I-797C should show that the EAD renewal application was timely filed and that the qualifying eligibility category is either A-12 or C-19. To avoid confusion, you may also provide your employer a copy of this Federal Register Notice; however, this Federal Register Notice is not acceptable evidence that your EAD has been automatically extended. Your employer may need to re-inspect your current EAD if your employer does not have a copy of the EAD on file. You and your employer should correct your previously completed Form I-9 as follows: 1. For Section 1, you may: a. Draw a line through the expiration date in Section 1; b. Write the date that is 180 days from the date your current EAD expires (May [[Page 44210]] 1, 2018) above the previous date (November 2, 2017); and c. Initial and date the correction in the margin of Section 1. 2. For Section 2, employers should: a. Determine if the EAD is auto-extended for 180 days by ensuring: It is in category A12 or C19; The ``received date'' on Form I-797 is on or before the end of the 60-day re-registration period stated in this Notice; and The category code on the EAD is the same category code on Form I-797C, noting that employers should consider category codes A-12 and C-19 to be the same category code. b. Draw a line through the expiration date written in Section 2; c. Write the date that is 180 days from the date the employee's current EAD expires (May 1, 2018) above the previous date (November 2, 2017); and d. Initial and date the correction in the margin of Section 2. Note: This is not considered a reverification. Employers do not need to complete Section 3 until either the 180-day extension has ended or the employee presents a new document to show continued employment authorization, whichever is sooner. By May 2, 2018, when the employee's automatically extended employment authorization has ended, employers must reverify the employee's employment authorization in Section 3. If I am an employer enrolled in E-Verify, how do I verify a new employee whose EAD has been automatically extended? Employers may create a case in E-Verify for a new employee using the Form I-797C receipt information provided on Form I-9. The receipt number entered as the document number on Form I-9 should be entered into the document number field in E-Verify. 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? E-Verify automated the verification process for employees whose TPS-related EAD was automatically extended. If 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 the auto-extension period for this EAD is about to expire. This indicates that you should update Form I-9 in accordance with the instructions above. By the employee's start of work on May 2, 2018, employment authorization must be reverified in Section 3. Employers should not 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 USCIS at [email protected]. Calls and emails are accepted in English and many other languages. For questions about avoiding discrimination during the employment eligibility verification process (Form I-9 and E-Verify), employers may call the U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division, Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) (formerly the Office of Special Counsel for Immigration- Related Unfair Employment Practices) Employer Hotline at 800-255-8155 (TTY 800-237-2515). IER offers language interpretation in numerous languages. Employers may also email IER at [email protected]. Note to Employees For general questions about the employment eligibility verification process, employees may call USCIS at 888-897-7781 (TTY 877-875-6028) or email USCIS at [email protected]. Calls are accepted in English, Spanish, and many other languages. Employees or applicants may also call the IER Worker Hotline at 800-255-7688 (TTY 800-237-2515) for information regarding employment discrimination based upon citizenship, immigration status, or national origin, including discrimination related to Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) and E-Verify. The IER Worker 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 as 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 an employee based on the employee's 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 an employee's 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). For more information about E-Verify-related discrimination or to report an employer for discrimination in the E-Verify process based on citizenship, immigration status, or national origin, contact IER's Worker 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 IER Web site at https://www.justice.gov/ier 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 of such documents are: (1) Your current EAD; (2) A copy of your receipt notice (Form I-797C) for your application to renew your current EAD providing an automatic extension of your currently expired or expiring EAD; [[Page 44211]] (3) A copy of your Application for Temporary Protected Status Notice of Action (Form I-797) for this re-registration; and (4) A copy of your past or current Application for Temporary Protected Status Notice of Action (Form I-797), if you received one from USCIS. Check with the government agency regarding which document(s) the agency will accept. Some benefit-granting agencies use the USCIS Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program to confirm the current immigration status of applicants for public benefits. In most cases, SAVE provides an automated electronic response to benefit-granting agencies within seconds, but, occasionally, verification can be delayed. You can check the status of your SAVE verification by using CaseCheck at the following link: https://save.uscis.gov/casecheck/, then by clicking the ``Check Your Case'' button. CaseCheck is a free service that lets you follow the progress of your SAVE verification using your date of birth and one immigration identifier number. If 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 on the SAVE Web site at http://www.uscis.gov/save, then by choosing ``For Benefits Applicants'' from the menu on the left, selecting ``Save Resources,'' followed by ``SAVE Fact Sheet for Benefit Applicants.'' [FR Doc. 2017-20174 Filed 9-19-17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111-97-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 182 / Thursday, September 21, 2017 / Notices 44205
prepare, store, and summit the annual period and not to wait until their EADs extraordinary and temporary conditions
audit should the requirement be expire.) that prompted the 2016 TPS
reinstated and $66,966.76 for the three- FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: redesignation have persisted, and in
year extension period requested. • For further information on TPS, some cases deteriorated, and would
Dated: September 15, 2017. including guidance on the application pose a serious threat to the personal
Christina A. Walsh, process and additional information on safety of South Sudanese nationals if
eligibility, please visit the USCIS TPS they were required to return to their
TSA Paperwork Reduction Act Officer, Office
Web page at http://www.uscis.gov/tps. country. The Secretary also has
of Information Technology.
You can find specific information about determined that permitting such South
[FR Doc. 2017–20094 Filed 9–20–17; 8:45 am]
this extension of South Sudan’s TPS Sudanese nationals to continue to
BILLING CODE 9110–05–P
designation by selecting ‘‘South Sudan’’ remain in the United States is not
from the menu on the left side of the contrary to the national interest of the
TPS Web page. United States.
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
• You can also contact Alexander Through this Notice, DHS sets forth
SECURITY procedures necessary for eligible
King, Branch Chief, Waivers and
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Temporary Services Branch, Service nationals of South Sudan (or aliens
Services Center Operations Directorate, U.S. having no nationality who last
Citizenship and Immigration Services, habitually resided in South Sudan) to
[CIS No. 2611–17; DHS Docket No. USCIS– Department of Homeland Security, 20 re-register under the extension if they
2014–0004] already have TPS and to apply for
Massachusetts Avenue NW.,
RIN 1615–ZB67 Washington, DC 20529–2060; or by renewal of their EADs with USCIS.
phone at (202) 272–8377 (this is not a Certain individuals may be eligible to
Extension of South Sudan for toll-free number). Note: The phone file a late initial application for TPS if
Temporary Protected Status number provided here is solely for they meet the conditions described in 8
questions regarding this TPS Notice. It CFR 244.2(f)(2). Information on late
AGENCY: U.S. Citizenship and initial filing is also available on the
Immigration Services, Department of is not for individual case status
inquiries. USCIS TPS Web site link at
Homeland Security.
• Applicants seeking information www.uscis.gov/tps.
ACTION: Notice. For individuals who have already
about the status of their individual cases
can check Case Status Online, available been granted TPS, the 60-day re-
SUMMARY: Through this Notice, the
at the USCIS Web site at http:// registration period runs from September
Department of Homeland Security
www.uscis.gov, or call the USCIS 21, 2017 through November 20, 2017.
(DHS) announces that the Secretary of
National Customer Service Center at USCIS will issue new EADs with a May
Homeland Security (Secretary) is 2, 2019 expiration date to eligible South
extending the designation of South 800–375–5283 (TTY 800–767–1833).
Service is available in English and Sudan TPS beneficiaries who timely re-
Sudan for Temporary Protected Status register and apply for EADs under this
(TPS) for 18 months, from November 3, Spanish.
• Further information will also be extension. Given the timeframes
2017, through May 2, 2019. This Notice involved with processing TPS re-
also sets forth procedures necessary for available at local USCIS offices upon
publication of this Notice. registration applications, DHS
nationals of South Sudan (or aliens recognizes that not all re-registrants will
having no nationality who last SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
receive new EADs before their current
habitually resided in South Sudan) to Table of Abbreviations EADs expire on November 2, 2017.
re-register for TPS and to apply for However, provided a South Sudan TPS
Employment Authorization Documents BIA—Board of Immigration Appeals
DHS—Department of Homeland Security beneficiary timely re-registers and
(EADs) with U.S. Citizenship and properly files an application for an EAD
DOS—Department of State
Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS EAD—Employment Authorization Document during the 60-day re-registration period,
will issue new EADs with a May 2, 2019 FNC—Final Nonconfirmation his or her EAD will be automatically
expiration date to eligible South Sudan Government—U.S. Government extended for an additional period not to
TPS beneficiaries who timely re-register IJ—Immigration Judge exceed 180 days from the date the
and apply for EADs under this INA—Immigration and Nationality Act current EAD expires, i.e., through May
extension. Provided a South Sudan TPS IER—U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights
Division, Immigrant and Employee Rights
1, 2018. This notice explains how TPS
beneficiary timely re-registers and beneficiaries and their employers may
properly files an application for an EAD Section (IER)
SAVE—USCIS Systematic Alien Verification determine which EADs are
during the 60-day re-registration period, for Entitlements Program automatically extended and their impact
his or her EAD will be automatically Secretary—Secretary of Homeland Security on Employment Eligibility Verification
extended for an additional period not to TNC—Tentative Nonconfirmation (Form I–9) and the E-Verify processes.
exceed 180 days from the date the TPS—Temporary Protected Status Approximately 70 South Sudan TPS
current EAD expires, i.e., through May TTY—Text Telephone beneficiaries are expected to file for re-
1, 2018. See 8 CFR 274a.13(d)(1). USCIS—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration registration under the extension.
DATES: Extension of Designation of Services Individuals who have a pending
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with NOTICES
South Sudan for TPS: The 18-month The extension allows currently initial South Sudan TPS application
extension of the TPS designation of eligible TPS beneficiaries to retain TPS will not need to file a new Application
South Sudan is effective on November through May 2, 2019, so long as they for Temporary Protected Status (Form I–
3, 2017, and will remain in effect otherwise continue to meet the 821). DHS provides additional
through May 2, 2019. The 60-day re- eligibility requirements for TPS. The instructions in this Notice for
registration period runs from September Secretary determined that an extension individuals whose TPS applications
21, 2017 through November 20, 2017. of the current designation of South remain pending and who would like to
(Note: It is important for re-registrants to Sudan for TPS is warranted because the obtain an EAD valid through May 2,
timely re-register during this 60-day ongoing armed conflict and 2019.
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![Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 182 / Thursday, September 21, 2017 / Notices 44211
(3) A copy of your Application for ‘‘SAVE Fact Sheet for Benefit with hearing or speech impairments
Temporary Protected Status Notice of Applicants.’’ may access this number through TTY by
Action (Form I–797) for this re- [FR Doc. 2017–20174 Filed 9–19–17; 8:45 am] calling the toll-free Federal Relay
registration; and BILLING CODE 9111–97–P Service at (800) 877–8339. Copies of
(4) A copy of your past or current available documents submitted to OMB
Application for Temporary Protected may be obtained from Ms. Guido.
Status Notice of Action (Form I–797), if DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This
you received one from USCIS. URBAN DEVELOPMENT notice informs the public that HUD is
[Docket No. FR–5997–N–56] seeking approval from OMB for the
Check with the government agency
information collection described in
regarding which document(s) the agency
30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Section A.
will accept. Some benefit-granting
Collection: State Community The Federal Register notice that
agencies use the USCIS Systematic
Development Block Grant (CDBG) solicited public comment on the
Alien Verification for Entitlements
Program information collection for a period of 60
(SAVE) program to confirm the current days was published on June 16, 2017 at
immigration status of applicants for AGENCY: Office of the Chief Information 81 FR 27715.
public benefits. In most cases, SAVE Officer, HUD.
provides an automated electronic ACTION: Notice. A. Overview of Information Collection
response to benefit-granting agencies Title of Information Collection: State
within seconds, but, occasionally, SUMMARY: HUD is seeking approval from
the Office of Management and Budget Community Development Block Grant
verification can be delayed. You can (CDBG) Program.
check the status of your SAVE (OMB) for the information collection
described below. In accordance with the OMB Approval Number: 2506–0085.
verification by using CaseCheck at the Type of Request: Reinstatement with
following link: https://save.uscis.gov/ Paperwork Reduction Act, HUD is
requesting comment from all interested change of a previously approved
casecheck/, then by clicking the ‘‘Check collection.
Your Case’’ button. CaseCheck is a free parties on the proposed collection of
information. The purpose of this notice Form Number: HUD–40108.
service that lets you follow the progress Description of the need for the
of your SAVE verification using your is to allow for 30 days of public
comment. information and proposed use: The
date of birth and one immigration Housing and Community Development
identifier number. If an agency has DATES: Comments Due Date: October 23, Act of 1974, as amended (HCDA),
denied your application based solely or 2017. requires grant recipients that receive
in part on a SAVE response, the agency ADDRESSES: Interested persons are CDBG funding to retain records
must offer you the opportunity to appeal invited to submit comments regarding necessary to document compliance with
the decision in accordance with the this proposal. Comments should refer to statutory and regulatory requirements
agency’s procedures. If the agency has the proposal by name and/or OMB on an on-going basis. The statute also
received and acted upon or will act Control Number and should be sent to: requires [Section 104(e)(2)] that HUD
upon a SAVE verification and you do HUD Desk Officer, Office of conduct an annual review to determine
not believe the response is correct, you Management and Budget, New whether states have distributed funds to
may make an InfoPass appointment for Executive Office Building, Washington, units of general local government in a
an in-person interview at a local USCIS DC 20503; fax:202–395–5806, Email: timely manner. Additionally, Section
office. Detailed information on how to OIRA Submission@omb.eop.gov. 916 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National
make corrections, make an appointment, FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Affordable Housing Act of 1990,
or submit a written request to correct Anna P. Guido, Reports Management prescribes a consultation with
records under the Freedom of Officer, QMAC, Department of Housing representatives of the interests of the
Information Act can be found on the and Urban Development, 451 7th Street residents of the colonias.
SAVE Web site at http://www.uscis.gov/ SW., Washington, DC 20410; email Respondents (i.e. affected public):
save, then by choosing ‘‘For Benefits Anna P. Guido at Anna.P.Guido@ This information collection applies to
Applicants’’ from the menu on the left, hud.gov or telephone 202–402–5535. 50 State CDBG Grantees (49 states and
selecting ‘‘Save Resources,’’ followed by This is not a toll-free number. Person Puerto Rico but not Hawaii).
Hourly
Number of Frequency Burden hour Annual
Information collection cost per Annual cost
respondents of response per response burden hours response
Record-Keeping:
—State .............................................. 50 1 126.00 6,300 $34.58 $217,854.00
—Local Government ......................... 3,500 1 26.13 91,455 34.58 3,162,513.90
Timely Distribution ................................... 50 1 2.60 130 34.58 4,495.40
Colonias Consultation .............................. 54 1 4.00 216 34.58 7,469.28
Total .................................................. ........................ ........................ ........................ 98,101 ........................ 3,392,332.58
asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with NOTICES
B. Solicitation of Public Comment information described in Section A on the agency, including whether the
the following: information will have practical utility;
This notice is soliciting comments
from members of the public and affected (1) Whether the proposed collection (2) The accuracy of the agency’s
parties concerning the collection of of information is necessary for the estimate of the burden of the proposed
proper performance of the functions of collection of information;
VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:03 Sep 20, 2017 Jkt 241001 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\21SEN1.SGM 21SEN1](https://thefederalregister.org/doc/82_FR_44387/page/7.svg)
Document Created: 2018-10-24 14:36:01
Document Modified: 2018-10-24 14:36:01
| 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 | Extension of Designation of South Sudan for TPS: The 18-month extension of the TPS designation of South Sudan is effective on November 3, 2017, and will remain in effect through May 2, 2019. The 60-day re-registration period runs from September 21, 2017 through November 20, 2017. (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 this extension of South Sudan's TPS designation by selecting ``South Sudan'' from the menu on the left side of the TPS Web page. | |
| FR Citation | 82 FR 44205 | |
| RIN Number | 1615-ZB67 |
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