DHS extends protected status for Syrians in the US

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Friday extended the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for some 6,700 Syrian citizens, allowing them to remain in the U.S. through September of 2022. 

The status is granted to those who come to the U.S. following natural disasters, wars or other disruptive events. 

“The Syrian civil war continues to demonstrate deliberate targeting of civilians, the use of chemical weapons and irregular warfare tactics, and use of child soldiers. The war has also caused sustained need for humanitarian assistance, an increase in refugees and displaced people, food insecurity, limited access to water and medical care, and large-scale destruction of Syria’s infrastructure. These conditions prevent Syrian nationals from safely returning,” DHS said in a press release announcing the decision.

The 18-month extension is the longest period of time DHS can extend Temporary Protected Status and marks the third time the department has chosen to do so for the Syrians through various administrations.

The status extension is available to all Syrians who entered the U.S. after March 2012, and it also allows an additional 1,800 Syrians to apply for TPS.