On May 30, 2013, the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security issued an 18-month extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for eligible nationals from El Salvador, allowing applicants to obtain renewed Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) valid from September 10, 2013 to March 9, 2015. Current Salvadoran beneficiaries must re-register for TPS status during a 60-day re-registration period that will end on July 29, 2013 in order to receive new EADs with a March 9, 2015 expiration date. In the interim, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has issued an auto-extension of current TPS El Salvador EADs expiring on September 9, 2013 date for an additional six months through March 9, 2014. Employers should take note to update Forms I-9 for Salvadoran national TPS employees who present EADs bearing a September 9, 2013 expiration date.

The U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security may designate a foreign nation for TPS due to conditions that temporarily prevent its nationals’ return, including ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary or temporary conditions. Eligible TPS beneficiaries are not removable from the U.S. and may be granted work and travel authorization during a designated period. In order to apply for an extension of TPS status, eligible beneficiaries must timely submit a Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, and a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.