SoCal Immigration Services | Immigration Document Preparation in Southern California

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San Diego is home to one of the largest Syrian communities in Southern California, and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) has been a critical lifeline for thousands of Syrian nationals who cannot safely return to their homeland due to the ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary conditions in Syria. Since the initial TPS designation for Syria in 2012, Syrian families in San Diego have relied on this protection to live and work legally in the United States. At SoCal Immigration Services, we have guided hundreds of Syrian TPS holders in San Diego through initial registration, re-registration, employment authorization, travel documentation, and the complex process of transitioning from TPS to permanent residency. Whether you are applying for TPS for the first time or renewing your existing status, our team provides the expert guidance that San Diego's Syrian community trusts.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

Syria TPS Designation Overview and History

The Secretary of Homeland Security first designated Syria for Temporary Protected Status on March 29, 2012, in response to the escalating civil war that began in 2011. This designation recognized that conditions in Syria prevented Syrian nationals from returning safely, including ongoing armed conflict, widespread destruction of infrastructure, and the collapse of government services across large portions of the country. Since the initial designation, TPS for Syria has been extended and re-designated multiple times, reflecting the continued deterioration of conditions in the country. Each re-designation has opened new windows for initial registration, allowing Syrians who arrived in the United States after the original designation date to apply for TPS protection. As of 2026, Syria remains designated for TPS, and the protection continues to be extended as conditions in the country have not improved sufficiently to allow safe return. The TPS program does not provide a direct path to permanent residency, but it offers critical protections including protection from deportation, employment authorization, and the ability to obtain travel documents. For San Diego's Syrian community, TPS has provided stability during an extraordinarily difficult period, allowing families to work, attend school, and build their lives while Syria remains unsafe.

•Initial TPS designation for Syria: March 29, 2012
•Multiple extensions and re-designations since 2012
•Each re-designation opens new initial registration windows
•TPS provides protection from deportation and employment authorization
•Syria remains designated for TPS as of 2026 due to ongoing conflict

Eligibility Requirements for Syrian TPS

To be eligible for TPS under Syria's designation, applicants must meet several specific requirements established by USCIS. First, you must be a national of Syria or a person without nationality who last habitually resided in Syria. Second, you must have been continuously physically present in the United States since the most recent designation date specified by USCIS. Third, you must have been continuously residing in the United States since the date specified in the Federal Register notice for Syria's TPS designation. Continuous physical presence and continuous residence are distinct requirements, and breaks in either can affect eligibility. Brief, casual, and innocent departures from the United States generally do not break continuous physical presence, but extended absences can disqualify an applicant. Additionally, applicants must not have been convicted of any felony or two or more misdemeanors committed in the United States, and must not be found inadmissible as an immigrant under applicable grounds of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Certain criminal bars and security-related grounds of inadmissibility can disqualify an applicant from TPS even if all other requirements are met. Our San Diego office conducts thorough eligibility screenings for every Syrian TPS applicant to identify potential issues before filing.

•Must be a Syrian national or stateless person who last resided in Syria
•Continuous physical presence in the U.S. since the most recent designation date
•Continuous residence in the U.S. since the date specified in the Federal Register notice
•No felony convictions in the United States
•No two or more misdemeanor convictions in the United States
•Must not be subject to any bars to TPS under the Immigration and Nationality Act
•Must file during the designated registration or re-registration period

Initial Registration vs. Re-Registration

Understanding the difference between initial registration and re-registration is essential for Syrian TPS applicants in San Diego. Initial registration applies to Syrian nationals who are applying for TPS for the first time. This opportunity arises when USCIS issues a new designation or re-designation of Syria for TPS, which opens a registration window during which eligible Syrians who were not previously registered can apply. The initial registration window typically lasts 180 days from the date of the Federal Register notice, though USCIS may extend this period. Late initial registration is possible under certain limited circumstances, such as if the applicant was in valid immigration status during the registration period or if conditions beyond the applicant's control prevented timely filing. Re-registration, on the other hand, applies to Syrian nationals who already hold TPS and must renew their status before each extension period expires. USCIS publishes a Federal Register notice announcing the extension and specifying the re-registration period, which is typically 60 days. Failure to re-register during the specified period can result in the loss of TPS benefits, including employment authorization and protection from removal. At SoCal Immigration Services in San Diego, we track every Federal Register notice related to Syrian TPS and proactively contact our clients when re-registration periods open, ensuring no one misses a critical deadline.

Feature	Initial Registration	Re-Registration
Who applies	First-time TPS applicants	Current TPS holders
When available	New designation or re-designation	Each extension period
Registration window	Typically 180 days	Typically 60 days
Late filing	Possible under limited circumstances	Generally not permitted
Forms required	I-821 + I-765 + I-821D (if applicable)	I-821 + I-765
Biometrics	Required	Required

Employment Authorization Through TPS

One of the most important benefits of TPS for Syrian nationals in San Diego is employment authorization. TPS holders are eligible to receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which allows them to work legally for any employer in the United States. The EAD is obtained by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, concurrently with the TPS application (Form I-821) or re-registration. The EAD is typically valid for the duration of the TPS designation period, and a new EAD must be obtained with each re-registration. When USCIS extends TPS for Syria, it automatically extends the validity of existing EADs for a specified period, typically 180 days, through a Federal Register notice. This automatic extension prevents gaps in employment authorization while USCIS processes re-registration applications. Syrian TPS holders in San Diego should present their expired EAD along with the Federal Register notice announcing the automatic extension to their employers as proof of continued work authorization. Employers are required to accept this combination as valid List A documentation for Form I-9 purposes. Our San Diego office helps Syrian TPS holders understand and exercise their employment rights, and we provide documentation packets that include the relevant Federal Register notices for employer verification. We also assist with Social Security card applications and updates, which are necessary for employment and tax reporting purposes.

•EAD (Form I-765) filed concurrently with TPS application or re-registration
•EAD valid for the duration of the TPS designation period
•Automatic 180-day EAD extension when TPS is extended
•Expired EAD + Federal Register notice = valid work authorization
•Employers must accept the combination for I-9 verification
•Social Security card application assistance available
•No restrictions on type of employment or employer

Travel with TPS: Advance Parole and Re-Entry

Syrian TPS holders in San Diego who need to travel outside the United States must obtain advance permission through a travel document before departing. TPS holders can apply for an advance parole document by filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, with USCIS. This travel document, also known as a re-entry permit for TPS holders, allows the holder to travel abroad and return to the United States without abandoning their TPS status. Travel without an approved advance parole document can result in the loss of TPS status and the inability to re-enter the United States. It is critical that Syrian TPS holders in San Diego understand that travel to Syria itself carries significant risks beyond immigration consequences. Returning to Syria, even briefly, can raise questions about whether the individual genuinely needs TPS protection, potentially jeopardizing their status. Additionally, travel to Syria may expose the individual to danger given the ongoing conflict. USCIS may also scrutinize travel to countries bordering Syria. The advance parole process typically takes 3-5 months, though processing times vary. Our San Diego team advises Syrian TPS holders on the risks and requirements of international travel and helps prepare travel document applications that address USCIS concerns. We also provide guidance on how re-entry with advance parole can create a legal basis for adjustment of status to permanent residency, which is a significant strategic consideration for many Syrian families in San Diego.

•Form I-131 required before any international travel
•Travel without advance parole can result in loss of TPS status
•Travel to Syria is strongly discouraged and can jeopardize TPS
•Processing time for travel documents: approximately 3-5 months
•Re-entry with advance parole may create basis for adjustment of status
•Plan travel well in advance of departure dates
•Carry all TPS documentation when traveling internationally

TPS to Green Card Pathway for Syrian Nationals

While TPS itself does not provide a direct path to permanent residency, Syrian TPS holders in San Diego have several potential pathways to obtain a green card. The most common pathway is through a family-based petition filed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or adult child. If a Syrian TPS holder is the beneficiary of an approved I-130 family petition and has an available immigrant visa number, they may be able to adjust their status to permanent residency through Form I-485. A critical legal issue for many Syrian TPS holders is whether they are eligible to adjust status if they entered the United States without inspection (crossed the border without authorization). Under the Immigration and Nationality Act Section 245(a), adjustment of status generally requires that the applicant was inspected and admitted or paroled into the United States. Syrian TPS holders who entered without inspection may be able to use their re-entry after traveling with an advance parole document as the necessary admission or parole, potentially making them eligible for adjustment. This strategy has been upheld by several federal courts and is an important option for Syrian families in San Diego. Employment-based immigration is another pathway, though it requires employer sponsorship through the labor certification (PERM) process, followed by an I-140 petition and I-485 adjustment. Some Syrian TPS holders in San Diego may also qualify for asylum if they can demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution based on a protected ground. Our immigration team evaluates each client's individual circumstances to identify the strongest pathway to permanent residency.

•Family-based petitions (I-130) through U.S. citizen or LPR relatives
•Adjustment of status (I-485) if eligible for immigrant visa
•Advance parole re-entry may satisfy inspection/admission requirement
•Employment-based sponsorship through PERM labor certification
•Asylum applications based on persecution grounds
•Special Immigrant Visa programs (if applicable)
•Consult with an immigration attorney to evaluate individual options

Community Resources for Syrian TPS Holders in San Diego

San Diego offers a robust network of community organizations and support services that serve Syrian TPS holders and their families. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) San Diego office provides comprehensive refugee and immigrant services, including employment assistance, English language classes, cultural orientation, and case management. The Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA) is a San Diego-based organization founded by and for East African and Middle Eastern refugees that offers advocacy, leadership development, and direct services. The Syrian Community Network, while headquartered in Chicago, has connections and resources available to Syrian families nationwide, including those in San Diego. The Mid-City Community Advocacy Network (Mid-City CAN) serves the diverse refugee and immigrant communities in San Diego's City Heights neighborhood, where many Syrian families have settled. Legal aid organizations such as Jewish Family Service of San Diego and Casa Cornelia Law Center provide free or low-cost immigration legal services to TPS holders who cannot afford private representation. San Diego's Syrian community also benefits from several mosques and cultural centers that provide social support, language assistance, and community connections. At SoCal Immigration Services, we maintain close relationships with these organizations and refer clients to appropriate resources based on their individual needs. We believe that comprehensive support beyond immigration paperwork is essential for the well-being and success of Syrian families in San Diego.

•International Rescue Committee (IRC) San Diego: employment, ESL, case management
•Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans (PANA): advocacy and direct services
•Jewish Family Service of San Diego: free immigration legal services
•Casa Cornelia Law Center: pro bono immigration representation
•Mid-City Community Advocacy Network: services in City Heights
•Local mosques and Syrian cultural organizations for community support
•San Diego Rapid Response Network: know-your-rights resources

What to Do If TPS for Syria Ends

While TPS for Syria has been continuously extended since 2012, Syrian TPS holders in San Diego should prepare for the possibility that the designation may eventually be terminated. If TPS for Syria is terminated, the Secretary of Homeland Security must provide at least 60 days' notice before the termination takes effect, giving TPS holders time to arrange their affairs. When TPS ends, individuals revert to the immigration status they held before TPS was granted, or to any other status they may have obtained during the TPS period. For many Syrian TPS holders, this means reverting to an unauthorized status, which can have serious consequences including potential removal proceedings. However, several important protections and options exist. First, any termination decision can be challenged in federal court, and past termination attempts for other TPS-designated countries have been blocked by court injunctions. Second, Syrian TPS holders who have pending adjustment of status applications or other immigration petitions may retain lawful status through those applications. Third, individuals may be eligible to apply for asylum, withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture if they can demonstrate fear of persecution or harm upon return to Syria. Our San Diego office proactively develops contingency plans with every Syrian TPS client, ensuring they understand their options and have backup strategies in place. We monitor all policy changes and court decisions affecting Syrian TPS and communicate updates to our clients immediately.

•At least 60 days' notice required before TPS termination takes effect
•TPS holders revert to prior immigration status upon termination
•Termination decisions can be challenged in federal court
•Pending adjustment of status applications may provide continued lawful status
•Asylum, withholding of removal, and CAT protection may be available
•Develop contingency plans now rather than waiting for termination
•Consult with an immigration attorney about backup strategies
•Continue re-registering for TPS during every extension period

Filing Your Syrian TPS Application in San Diego

Filing a Syrian TPS application correctly is essential to avoid delays, requests for evidence, or denials. The primary form for TPS registration is Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, which must be filed with USCIS along with supporting documentation proving nationality, continuous residence, continuous physical presence, and identity. Syrian nationals must submit evidence of Syrian nationality, such as a Syrian passport, national identity card, or birth certificate. If original documents are unavailable due to the conflict in Syria, secondary evidence such as sworn affidavits, school records, or religious documents may be accepted with an explanation of why primary documents cannot be obtained. Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, should be filed concurrently to obtain work permission. Biometrics services (fingerprinting and photographs) are required, and USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment at the San Diego Application Support Center after receiving the application. Filing fees apply for both forms, though fee waivers are available for applicants who demonstrate financial hardship. Our San Diego office prepares complete TPS application packages for Syrian nationals, ensuring all required documentation is included and properly organized. We accompany clients to biometrics appointments when needed and track application progress through to approval. Contact us at (714) 421-8872 to schedule a TPS consultation.

•Form I-821: Application for Temporary Protected Status
•Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization (filed concurrently)
•Evidence of Syrian nationality: passport, ID card, or birth certificate
•Secondary evidence accepted when primary documents are unavailable
•Biometrics appointment at San Diego Application Support Center
•Fee waiver available for applicants demonstrating financial hardship
•Country conditions documentation to support the application

Protecting Your TPS Status: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Syrian TPS holders in San Diego must be vigilant about protecting their status to avoid losing the protections that TPS provides. The most common mistake is failing to re-register during the designated re-registration period. USCIS publishes Federal Register notices with specific re-registration deadlines, and missing these deadlines can result in the termination of your TPS status and employment authorization. Another critical mistake is traveling outside the United States without obtaining advance parole. Departing the country without an approved travel document can be treated as an abandonment of your TPS application or status, and you may be unable to return to the United States. Criminal convictions are another significant risk to TPS status. A single felony conviction or two misdemeanor convictions in the United States will disqualify a TPS holder from the program. Even arrests without convictions should be reported to your immigration attorney, as pending criminal matters can affect TPS adjudication. Failing to update your address with USCIS is a frequently overlooked requirement. TPS holders must notify USCIS of any address change within 10 days using Form AR-11. If USCIS sends important notices to an outdated address, you may miss critical deadlines. Finally, providing false information on any TPS application or supporting document is grounds for denial and can have far-reaching immigration consequences. Our San Diego team educates every client about these risks and provides ongoing support to help maintain TPS status throughout the designation period.

•Never miss a re-registration deadline - set calendar reminders
•Always obtain advance parole before international travel
•Avoid any criminal activity - even minor offenses can affect TPS
•Update your address with USCIS within 10 days of any move (Form AR-11)
•Never provide false information on immigration applications
•Keep copies of all filed documents and USCIS receipts
•Respond to all USCIS notices promptly and within stated deadlines
•Consult an attorney before making any major immigration decisions

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:Is Syria still designated for TPS in 2026?

A: Yes, Syria remains designated for Temporary Protected Status as of 2026. The designation has been continuously extended and re-designated since its initial designation in March 2012 due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary conditions in the country.

Q:Can I get a green card while on Syrian TPS?

A: TPS does not directly lead to a green card, but Syrian TPS holders can pursue permanent residency through family-based petitions, employment-based sponsorship, or asylum. Re-entry with advance parole may satisfy the inspection requirement for adjustment of status.

Q:What happens if I miss the TPS re-registration deadline?

A: Missing the re-registration deadline can result in the loss of your TPS status and employment authorization. Contact our San Diego office at (714) 421-8872 immediately if you have missed a deadline, as late filing may be possible under limited circumstances.

Q:Can I travel outside the U.S. with Syrian TPS?

A: Yes, but you must obtain an advance parole travel document by filing Form I-131 before departing the United States. Traveling without advance parole can result in the loss of your TPS status and inability to re-enter the country.

Q:How long does it take to process a Syrian TPS application?

A: Processing times for Syrian TPS applications vary but typically take 6-12 months. During this time, if you filed for re-registration, your existing TPS status and employment authorization are automatically extended through Federal Register notices.

Q:Do I need a lawyer to apply for Syrian TPS in San Diego?

A: While legal representation is not required, an immigration attorney significantly improves your chances of a successful application, especially if you have criminal history concerns, gaps in presence, or missing documentation. Call (714) 421-8872 for a consultation.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in San Diego and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.

Published: February 9, 2026Last Updated: February 9, 2026

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Syrian TPS Designation in San Diego: Temporary Protected Status Benefits and Renewal Guide