Syrian Asylum Statistics: USCIS has recently released statistics for asylum applications filed by nationals of Syria. As would be expected, a significant uptick in case filings started in FY2012 (October 2011 through September 2012) and increased dramatically in FY2013. The trend continues. The approval rate of these cases has also increased dramatically; the approvals rate in FY2014 was 81%, and 83% from October 2014 through December 2014.
Extension of Syrian TPS to 9/30/2016: DHS has extended the designation of Syria for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months — from 4/1/15 through 9/30/16 — with the re-registration period running from 1/5/15 through 3/6/15. Syria is also re-designated for TPS and new applications may be submitted between 1/5/15 and 7/6/15.
On a somewhat related note, DHS has extended its suspension of certain requirements for employment authorization for Syrian F-1 nonimmigrant students experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of civil unrest in Syria. Notice is effective from 1/5/15 through 9/30/16.
Extension of El Salvador TPS to 9/9/2016: DHS has extended the designation of El Salvador for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from 3/10/15 through 9/9/16. The 60-day re-registration period runs from 1/7/15 through 3/9/15.
Video for Employers on TPS and Work Authorization: The Justice Department’s Office of Special Counsel released a video reminding employers that Salvadorans with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) may work beyond the expiration date of their employment authorization document and that requesting additional documents may violate anti-discrimination law.