Ops Memo 2013-44: TAFDC, EAEDC and SNAP - Temporary Protective Status (TPS) Extension for El Salvador

Introduction
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may designate a foreign country for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) because conditions in that country temporarily prevent its nationals from returning safely. TPS is a temporary immigration status, authorized under Section 244 of the Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA) granted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It allows nationals of a designated country to remain in the U.S., and work for a limited time period.

Overview
El Salvador was initially designated for TPS on March 9, 2001, following a series of earthquakes in January and February 2001. Several TPS extensions have been granted since that time because the environmental disaster conditions caused by the earthquakes continue to exist. The current TPS period will expire September 9, 2013.

On May 30, 2013, DHS extended TPS designation for El Salvador for 18 months, beginning September 10, 2013 through March 9, 2015.

Purpose of Memo
This Operations Memo:

• advises staff about the extension of TPS for El Salvador;
• reminds TAO staff about eligibility for foreign nationals with TPS; and
• reminds TAO staff about how to enter INA designation information in BEACON for El Salvador nationals with TPS and of resource materials available for noncitizens.