USCIS stated that it will extend Temporary Protected Status (“TPS”) for Somalis for 18 months from September 17, 2009 until March 17, 2011.   That means Somali nationals presently in the U.S. in TPS status may remain in that status until at least 2011.   USCIS will also extend the validity of existing employment authorization cards for Somali TPS holders for six months through March 17, 2010.

TPS status is a non-immigration category because it doesn’t lead to permanent residence, but it is useful because it allows individuals from certain designated countries to remain in the U.S. for a certain period of time as determined by USCIS.   TPS status also confers a person the right to apply for employment authorization to be able to work lawfully in the U.S.