Extension of the Designation of Liberia for Temporary Protected Status

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 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.