The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced an extension and redesignation for Yemen. These changes would extend the eligibility period for eligible individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) by 18 months.

According to the DHS, this extension will take effect from September 4, 2024, through March 3, 2026. This announcement could help TPS beneficiaries and Yemen nationals who have not yet registered for TPS. Those qualified through March 3, 2026, may also request Employment Authorization Documents (EADs).

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas commented the following: “Yemen has been in a state of protracted conflict for the past decade, severely limiting civilians’ access to water, food, and medical care, pushing the country to the brink of economic collapse, and preventing Yemeni nationals living abroad from safely returning home. The steps the Department of Homeland Security has taken today will allow certain Yemenis currently residing in the United States to remain and work here until conditions in their home country improve.”

This extension will allow an estimated 2,300 current beneficiaries of TPS status for Yemen to retain their status through March 3, 2026. However, they must continue meeting the eligibility requirements found in the Federal Register notice. The notice also includes details on applying for an EAD and completing the employment eligibility verification (Form I-9) process.

This announcement also allows an estimated 1,700 Yemeni nationals and other eligible individuals to file an initial application for TPS. Qualifying individuals could file an Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765) to acquire work Authorization in the United States. The DHS assured anyone with currently pending Applications for Temporary Protected Status (Form I-821) that they do not need to refile to benefit from the extension. Furthermore, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will automatically grant the TPS-related EAD through the newly extended date to those with a pending Form I-821 or Form I-765 from before Yemen’s redesignation.

Existing TPS-related EADs under Yemen’s designations have automatically extended through March 3, 2026. As such, employers should consider reviewing affected employees’ EADs. This step may prove crucial for employers who do not have a copy of the TPS-related EAD on file. In this case, they may check for extensions if the EAD contains Category A-12 or C-19 and a “Card Expires” date of September 3, 2024, or March 3, 2023.

Changes like TPS updates can challenge employers’ ability to comply with I-9 regulations. Many rely on an electronic I-9 management system to stay updated and compliant. This system can offer guidance through the process, digital storage of forms and documentation, and an optional E-Verify integration.

Automation makes eligibility verification quick and simple for your employees. Ensure compliance today with I-9 Compliance.

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