The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced an 18-month extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for El Salvador. This extension will be effective from March 10, 2025, to September 9, 2026. The decision was made due to ongoing environmental conditions in El Salvador that hinder the safe return of its nationals.
The DHS's review concluded that significant storms and heavy rainfall in recent years have exacerbated the impact of past earthquakes, which initially led to El Salvador's TPS designation on March 9, 2001. As a result, approximately 232,000 current beneficiaries are eligible to re-register for TPS if they meet the requirements.
Re-registration is open only to those who were previously granted TPS under El Salvador’s prior designation. "Every individual processed by the Department of Homeland Security goes through rigorous national security and public safety vetting during the original application process and again during re-registration," states the DHS. Individuals with felony convictions or two misdemeanors are not eligible for TPS.
Beneficiaries must re-register within a designated 60-day period starting from the publication date of the Federal Register notice to maintain their status and employment authorization. Recognizing potential delays in issuing new Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), DHS is automatically extending existing EADs through March 9, 2026.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will continue processing pending applications filed under previous TPS designations for El Salvador. Those with pending applications do not need to reapply; approved applications will grant TPS through September 9, 2026, along with a valid EAD.
The Federal Register notice outlines eligibility criteria and procedures for re-registration and EAD renewal. This extension applies solely to individuals already in the United States who are current TPS beneficiaries for El Salvador. The DHS emphasizes that irregular migration journeys remain perilous and will enforce U.S. laws accordingly.
