SoCal Immigration Services | Immigration Document Preparation in Southern California

Quick Answer

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) provides critical relief for nationals of designated countries who cannot safely return home due to armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. San Bernardino County is home to a significant Arab immigrant population, including many Syrian, Yemeni, and Somali nationals who benefit from or may qualify for TPS designation. As of February 2026, Syria and Yemen maintain active TPS designations, protecting thousands of families in the Inland Empire from deportation and authorizing them to work legally in the United States. SoCal Immigration Services provides Arabic-speaking assistance with TPS applications, renewals, and related employment authorization documents for families throughout San Bernardino.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

Understanding Temporary Protected Status for Arab Nationals

Temporary Protected Status is a humanitarian immigration benefit that the Secretary of Homeland Security grants to nationals of specifically designated countries. TPS does not lead directly to permanent residency, but it provides two essential protections: protection from deportation and authorization to work legally in the United States. For Arab immigrants in San Bernardino, TPS has been a lifeline. Syria received TPS designation in March 2012 due to ongoing armed conflict, and this designation has been extended continuously since then. Yemen received TPS designation in September 2015 due to armed conflict and extraordinary conditions. As of 2026, approximately 8,900 Syrian nationals and 2,150 Yemeni nationals hold active TPS status nationwide. San Bernardino County is among the top 15 counties nationally for TPS beneficiaries from Middle Eastern countries.

Country	TPS Designation Date	Current Status	Estimated Beneficiaries
Syria	March 29, 2012	Extended through March 2027	~8,900 nationwide
Yemen	September 3, 2015	Extended through March 2027	~2,150 nationwide
Somalia	September 16, 1991	Extended through March 2026	~500 nationwide
Sudan	November 4, 1997	Extended through October 2026	~1,040 nationwide
South Sudan	November 3, 2011	Extended through November 2026	~75 nationwide

TPS Eligibility Requirements for San Bernardino Residents

To qualify for TPS, you must meet several requirements established by USCIS. First, you must be a national of a TPS-designated country or a person without nationality who last habitually resided in a designated country. Second, you must have been continuously physically present in the United States since the effective date specified for your country's designation. Third, you must have been continuously residing in the United States since the date specified for your country. Fourth, you must not be ineligible due to certain criminal convictions or other bars. For Syrian TPS, you must have been continuously residing in the United States since August 1, 2016, and continuously physically present since October 1, 2016. For Yemeni TPS, you must have been continuously residing since January 4, 2021, and physically present since March 4, 2021.

•You must be a national of a TPS-designated country (Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, or South Sudan for Arab nationals)
•You must have been continuously physically present in the US since the designated date for your country
•You must have been continuously residing in the US since the designated date
•You must file during the designated registration or re-registration period
•You must not have been convicted of any felony or two or more misdemeanors in the United States
•You must not be found inadmissible as an immigrant under applicable grounds in INA section 212(a)
•Brief, casual, and innocent departures from the US do not break continuous physical presence

Step-by-Step TPS Application Process

The TPS application process requires careful attention to deadlines and documentation. Missing a registration deadline can result in loss of TPS protection and work authorization. SoCal Immigration Services guides Arab families in San Bernardino through each step of the initial application and re-registration process to ensure timely and accurate filing.

1
Determine Eligibility and Gather Documentation
Collect your passport, I-94 arrival record, evidence of continuous residence and physical presence in the US (lease agreements, utility bills, pay stubs, school records), and identification documents. For initial applicants, gather proof you were in the US before the continuous presence date for your country.
2
Complete Form I-821 (Application for TPS)
File Form I-821 to register or re-register for TPS. The filing fee is $50 for initial applicants and $0 for re-registration. Include two passport-style photos and copies of all supporting documents. Late initial registrations may be accepted under certain circumstances.
3
File Form I-765 (Employment Authorization Document)
File Form I-765 simultaneously with Form I-821 to obtain or renew your Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The filing fee is $410. Fee waivers are available using Form I-912 for applicants who demonstrate financial hardship.
4
Attend Biometrics Appointment
USCIS will schedule you for a biometrics appointment at the nearest Application Support Center. For San Bernardino residents, this is typically the San Bernardino ASC. Bring your appointment notice, a valid photo ID, and your I-797 receipt notice.
5
Receive Decision and EAD Card
USCIS will issue a decision on your TPS application and, if approved, mail your EAD card. Current processing times for TPS applications range from 3 to 12 months. During processing, automatic extensions of TPS status are published in the Federal Register.

TPS Re-Registration: Protecting Your Status

TPS re-registration is required each time the Secretary of Homeland Security extends a country's TPS designation. USCIS publishes a Federal Register notice announcing the extension and specifying the re-registration period, which typically lasts 60 days. Failure to re-register during the designated period can result in loss of TPS status. For Arab families in San Bernardino, timely re-registration is essential. USCIS has shown some flexibility with late re-registration filings when applicants demonstrate good cause for the delay, but relying on this exception is risky. We recommend setting calendar reminders 90 days before your TPS expiration date and monitoring the USCIS website and Federal Register for extension announcements.

•Re-register during every designated re-registration period to maintain your TPS status
•The re-registration period is typically 60 days and is announced in the Federal Register
•Filing fee for re-registration is $0 for Form I-821 but $410 for Form I-765 (EAD renewal)
•Fee waivers using Form I-912 are available for re-registration EAD applications
•Automatic extensions of TPS and EADs are published when USCIS extends a country's designation
•Late re-registration may be accepted if you demonstrate good cause for the delay
•Keep copies of all re-registration filings and receipt notices in a safe location

EAD Work Permits for TPS Holders in San Bernardino

The Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is one of the most valuable benefits of TPS status. It authorizes you to work legally for any employer in the United States. For Arab families in San Bernardino County, where the median household income is $58,700 and the cost of living continues to rise, maintaining valid work authorization is critical to financial stability. TPS-based EADs are typically valid for 18 months and must be renewed with each TPS re-registration. When USCIS extends a TPS designation, it also publishes an automatic extension of existing EAD cards, usually for 180 days, to prevent gaps in work authorization during processing. Employers can verify your extended EAD authorization using the I-797C receipt notice and the Federal Register notice. SoCal Immigration Services helps TPS holders in San Bernardino maintain continuous work authorization by tracking deadlines and filing renewal applications promptly.

EAD Topic	Details	Important Notes
Initial EAD	Filed with Form I-765 alongside Form I-821	Processing takes 3-12 months; automatic extensions may apply
EAD Renewal	Filed during each re-registration period	Same $410 fee; fee waivers available
Automatic Extension	Published in Federal Register with TPS extension	Usually 180 days; show receipt + Federal Register notice to employer
EAD Category Code	C-19 for TPS holders	Employers verify using I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification
Lost or Stolen EAD	File replacement I-765 with $410 fee	Keep copies of front and back of your EAD card

How SoCal Immigration Services Helps TPS Applicants in San Bernardino

SoCal Immigration Services provides comprehensive TPS application and renewal assistance for Arab families throughout San Bernardino County. Our Arabic-speaking staff understands the unique challenges faced by Syrian, Yemeni, and other Arab TPS beneficiaries, including documentation difficulties when home-country records are unavailable due to conflict. We prepare TPS initial applications and re-registration filings, EAD applications and renewals, fee waiver requests, and help gather evidence of continuous residence and physical presence. Our team monitors TPS extension announcements and proactively contacts our clients when re-registration periods open. We maintain organized files for each client to ensure smooth re-registration each cycle. For TPS holders who may qualify for other immigration benefits, such as adjustment of status through a family petition, we discuss all available options and make appropriate referrals to licensed attorneys.

•Complete TPS initial application and re-registration filing assistance in Arabic and English
•EAD application preparation and renewal tracking to prevent work authorization gaps
•Fee waiver preparation using Form I-912 for qualifying low-income families
•Evidence gathering assistance for continuous residence and physical presence documentation
•Proactive re-registration reminders and deadline monitoring for all TPS-designated countries
•Referrals to immigration attorneys for TPS holders exploring pathways to permanent residence
•Document organization and secure file maintenance for seamless re-registration cycles

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:Which Arab countries currently have TPS designation in 2026?

A: Syria, Yemen, Somalia, and Sudan currently have active TPS designations as of February 2026. Each country has specific continuous presence and residence dates that applicants must meet.

Q:How much does it cost to apply for TPS in San Bernardino?

A: The TPS application (Form I-821) is $50 for initial applicants and free for re-registration. The EAD work permit (Form I-765) is $410. Fee waivers are available for low-income applicants.

Q:Can I travel outside the US while on TPS?

A: You must obtain advance parole (Form I-131) before traveling outside the US while on TPS. Traveling without advance parole may result in loss of TPS status and denial of re-entry.

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

A: Missing the re-registration deadline can result in loss of TPS status and work authorization. If you have good cause for filing late, USCIS may accept a late re-registration, but this is not guaranteed.

Q:Can TPS lead to a green card?

A: TPS does not directly lead to a green card. However, TPS holders may qualify for permanent residence through other pathways such as family petitions, employment sponsorship, or asylum if they meet separate eligibility requirements.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in San Bernardino 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 13, 2026Last Updated: February 13, 2026

TPS Help for Arab Families in San Bernardino

Our Arabic-speaking team helps you navigate TPS applications, renewals, and EAD work permits. We track deadlines and ensure your status stays protected. Call (714) 421-8872 for TPS assistance in Arabic or English.

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TPS Application and Renewal Services in San Bernardino: Complete Guide for Arab Immigrants