TPS Extension for Sudan Community in Glendale: Temporary Protected Status Renewal Guide
Complete guide to TPS re-registration deadlines, EAD renewal, travel authorization, and pathways to permanent status for Sudanese nationals in the Glendale area
Quick Answer
Glendale, located in Los Angeles County, is home to one of Southern California's most established and diverse immigrant communities, including a growing number of Sudanese nationals who rely on Temporary Protected Status for legal protection and work authorization. The ongoing armed conflict in Sudan, which escalated dramatically in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, has displaced millions of Sudanese civilians and caused a humanitarian crisis of staggering proportions. The U.S. government has responded by designating and repeatedly extending TPS for Sudan, providing critical relief to Sudanese nationals already present in the United States. For Sudanese TPS holders in the Glendale area, understanding re-registration requirements, Employment Authorization Document renewal procedures, and available pathways to more permanent immigration status is essential for maintaining lawful presence and building a stable future in the United States.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
Glendale, located in Los Angeles County, is home to one of Southern California's most established and diverse immigrant communities, including a growing number of Sudanese nationals who rely on Temporary Protected Status for legal protection and work authorization. The ongoing armed conflict in Sudan, which escalated dramatically in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, has displaced millions of Sudanese civilians and caused a humanitarian crisis of staggering proportions. The U.S. government has responded by designating and repeatedly extending TPS for Sudan, providing critical relief to Sudanese nationals already present in the United States. For Sudanese TPS holders in the Glendale area, understanding re-registration requirements, Employment Authorization Document renewal procedures, and available pathways to more permanent immigration status is essential for maintaining lawful presence and building a stable future in the United States.
Understanding TPS Designation for Sudan
For Sudan specifically, TPS was most recently extended and redesignated due to the catastrophic civil war that erupted in April 2023. The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo has killed tens of thousands of civilians, displaced over 10 million people internally, and forced more than 2 million to flee to neighboring countries. The United Nations has classified the Sudan crisis as one of the worst humanitarian emergencies in the world, with widespread famine, destruction of medical infrastructure, and systematic human rights abuses documented across multiple regions including Darfur, Khartoum, and the Kordofan states.
Sudanese nationals who were continuously physically present in the United States since the most recent designation date and who have continuously resided in the U.S. since that date are eligible for TPS. The designation covers nationals of Sudan regardless of their current immigration status, including those who entered without inspection, overstayed visas, or had prior removal orders. TPS provides two critical benefits: protection from removal (deportation) and eligibility for Employment Authorization Documents that allow holders to work legally anywhere in the United States.
TPS Re-Registration Requirements and Deadlines
To re-register, Sudanese TPS holders must file Form I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status) with USCIS during the designated re-registration period. The filing fee for Form I-821 is $50, and most re-registrants must also file Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) simultaneously, which carries an additional fee of $410. Fee waiver requests using Form I-912 are available for applicants who demonstrate inability to pay based on household income, receipt of means-tested benefits, or financial hardship.
Critical re-registration requirements include providing proof of continuous physical presence in the United States, evidence of continuous residence, two passport-style photographs, and a completed biographic information form. Applicants with criminal records must disclose all arrests, charges, and convictions regardless of outcome. Even minor offenses can affect TPS eligibility, and failure to disclose criminal history constitutes fraud that results in permanent TPS ineligibility.
For Glendale-area residents, the nearest USCIS field office is located in Los Angeles, and the nearest Application Support Center for biometrics appointments is also in the greater Los Angeles area. Processing times for TPS re-registration currently average 6 to 12 months, though automatic extensions of existing EADs bridge the gap between filing and adjudication.
Employment Authorization Document Renewal Under TPS
To obtain a new EAD, Sudanese TPS holders file Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) along with their I-821 re-registration. The EAD application requires the applicant to indicate eligibility category (a)(12) for TPS-based employment authorization. Supporting documents include a copy of the current or most recent EAD, a copy of the Federal Register notice showing the automatic extension, and two passport-style photographs meeting USCIS specifications.
Employers are legally required to accept automatically extended EADs as valid List A documents for Form I-9 purposes. The combination of an expired EAD card plus the Federal Register notice constitutes valid proof of employment authorization. Employers who refuse to accept this documentation or who terminate employees based on an expired EAD card during an automatic extension period violate federal anti-discrimination laws enforced by the Immigrant and Employee Rights Section of the Department of Justice. Workers in Glendale and surrounding areas who experience employer discrimination based on TPS status should document the incident and report it to the IER hotline at 1-800-255-7688.
New EAD cards issued upon approval of re-registration typically carry a validity period matching the TPS extension period, which is usually 18 months. The current processing time for TPS-related EAD applications at USCIS ranges from 3 to 10 months, though the automatic extension ensures no gap in work authorization during this processing period.
Travel Authorization for TPS Holders
The travel document for TPS holders is obtained by filing Form I-131 (Application for Travel Document) with USCIS. The filing fee is $630, and processing times currently range from 4 to 8 months for TPS-based travel documents. Applicants must demonstrate that their travel is for humanitarian purposes, educational purposes, or legitimate business reasons. The approved travel document allows the holder to depart and return to the United States while maintaining TPS status.
There are important legal nuances regarding travel for TPS holders. Under the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals decision and subsequent USCIS policy guidance, TPS holders who travel abroad with proper authorization and return to the United States are considered to have been admitted or paroled for purposes of adjustment of status under INA Section 245. This means that TPS holders who travel and return may become eligible to adjust to permanent resident status through a qualifying family or employment-based petition, even if they originally entered the United States without inspection. This legal interpretation has been life-changing for many Sudanese TPS holders who entered without valid visas but later married U.S. citizens or had approved employment-based petitions.
For Sudanese nationals specifically, travel to Sudan itself remains extremely dangerous and is strongly discouraged by the U.S. State Department, which maintains a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Sudan. TPS holders who return to Sudan risk not only personal safety but also potential arguments by USCIS that voluntary return to the designated country undermines the basis for TPS protection. Travel to third countries such as Egypt, the UAE, or Jordan for family visits is generally permissible with proper documentation.
Eligibility Requirements and Bars to TPS
Several categories of individuals are permanently barred from TPS regardless of their nationality or circumstances. These mandatory bars include individuals who have been convicted of any felony in the United States, individuals convicted of two or more misdemeanors in the United States, individuals who have persecuted others based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion, and individuals subject to certain terrorism-related inadmissibility grounds under INA Section 212(a)(3).
The criminal bars deserve particular attention. A single felony conviction — regardless of the sentence imposed — permanently disqualifies an applicant from TPS. Two misdemeanor convictions also create a permanent bar. USCIS defines misdemeanor broadly, and certain offenses that are treated as infractions or minor offenses under California state law may still be classified as misdemeanors for immigration purposes. Common examples include DUI convictions, domestic battery, petty theft, and drug possession. Sudanese TPS holders in Glendale who have any criminal history should consult with an immigration attorney before filing re-registration to assess whether their convictions constitute bars to TPS eligibility.
Applicants must also pass national security and background checks. USCIS conducts FBI fingerprint checks, name checks through multiple federal databases, and reviews of any prior immigration history. Applicants with prior removal orders, prior denials of immigration benefits, or discrepancies in their immigration records face additional scrutiny during the re-registration process.
Pathways from TPS to Permanent Resident Status
The most common pathway is through family-based immigration. TPS holders who are married to U.S. citizens are immediate relatives under immigration law and are not subject to visa bulletin wait times. If the TPS holder entered the United States with a valid visa or was paroled, they can file Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) concurrently with their spouse's Form I-130 petition. As discussed above, TPS holders who have traveled abroad with proper travel documents and been readmitted are considered "paroled" for adjustment purposes, opening this pathway even for those who originally entered without inspection.
Employment-based immigration provides another pathway. TPS holders who work for employers willing to sponsor them through the PERM labor certification process can pursue EB-2 or EB-3 green cards. The process involves a labor market test, an approved I-140 petition, and adjustment of status or consular processing. Processing times for employment-based cases vary from 2 to 5 years depending on the preference category and country of birth. Sudanese nationals generally benefit from favorable visa bulletin dates since Sudan falls under "All Chargeability Areas."
Asylum is another option for TPS holders who have not previously filed. While TPS and asylum are separate benefits, there is no prohibition on holding TPS and applying for asylum simultaneously. An approved asylum application grants the applicant asylee status, and asylees become eligible to apply for permanent residence one year after their asylum grant. The one-year filing deadline for asylum is an important consideration — applicants generally must file within one year of arriving in the United States, though exceptions exist for changed country conditions (which clearly apply to Sudan given the 2023 conflict escalation) and extraordinary circumstances.
Special Immigrant Visa programs and the Diversity Visa lottery represent additional pathways, though their applicability varies by individual circumstances. Sudanese nationals are eligible for the DV lottery since Sudan is not excluded from the program, and winning the lottery provides a direct path to permanent residence regardless of TPS status.
Community Resources for Sudanese TPS Holders in Glendale
SoCal Immigration Services provides comprehensive TPS assistance to Sudanese nationals throughout the greater Los Angeles area, including Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, and surrounding communities. Our Arabic-speaking staff understands the cultural and linguistic needs of Sudanese clients and provides personalized guidance through every step of the TPS re-registration process, EAD renewal, travel document applications, and exploration of pathways to permanent status. We maintain current knowledge of all Federal Register notices affecting Sudan TPS and proactively notify our clients when re-registration periods open. Call us at (714) 421-8872 for a consultation.
Legal aid organizations in the greater Los Angeles area provide free or low-cost immigration assistance to TPS holders. The Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles, the Central American Resource Center (CARECEN), and the Asian Pacific American Legal Center all offer TPS clinics and individual consultations. The Sudanese American Community Association and the Darfur Community Association maintain connections with immigration legal service providers and can help connect community members with appropriate resources.
Community members should also be aware of their rights during the TPS process. TPS holders are protected from employment discrimination under federal law, are eligible for California driver's licenses, can obtain Social Security numbers for work purposes, and may qualify for certain state and local benefits. In California specifically, TPS holders are eligible for state-funded Medi-Cal health insurance, CalFresh food assistance (if they meet other eligibility requirements), and in-state tuition rates at public universities and community colleges. These benefits provide critical support for families maintaining stability while navigating the immigration system.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During TPS Re-Registration
Missing the re-registration deadline is the most catastrophic error. Once the 60-day re-registration window closes, there is generally no mechanism to file a late re-registration. USCIS has exercised discretion in extremely limited circumstances to accept late filings, but this is the exception rather than the rule. Setting calendar reminders, signing up for USCIS email alerts, and maintaining contact with an immigration attorney or accredited representative ensures you receive timely notice when re-registration periods open.
Failing to update your address with USCIS causes missed notices, biometrics appointments, and EAD cards. TPS holders must file Form AR-11 (Change of Address) within 10 days of any move. This is a legal requirement under federal law, and failure to comply can be used as a basis for TPS denial. The form can be filed online at the USCIS website at no cost.
Providing inconsistent information across multiple TPS filings triggers fraud investigations and delays. Every re-registration application is compared against prior filings, and discrepancies in biographical information, entry dates, addresses, or criminal history must be satisfactorily explained. Maintaining copies of all previously filed applications ensures consistency across filings.
Using unlicensed immigration consultants or notarios is a pervasive problem that affects immigrant communities nationwide, including the Sudanese community in Glendale. Only licensed attorneys and DOJ-accredited representatives are authorized to provide immigration legal advice. Notarios and immigration consultants who prepare forms without proper credentials frequently make errors that result in denials, and victims have limited recourse. The California State Bar and the Board of Immigration Appeals maintain directories of authorized legal representatives.
Filing incomplete applications results in rejection or requests for evidence that delay processing by months. Every form field must be completed — entering "N/A" for non-applicable fields rather than leaving them blank. All required supporting documents must be included with the initial filing, and photographs must meet USCIS specifications for size, background color, and recency.
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:What is the current TPS re-registration deadline for Sudan?
A: TPS re-registration deadlines for Sudan are set by each Federal Register notice when DHS extends the designation. The re-registration window is typically 60 days. Check the most recent Federal Register notice or call SoCal Immigration Services at (714) 421-8872 for the current deadline. Missing the deadline results in automatic loss of TPS benefits.
Q:Can I work legally in the United States with Sudan TPS?
A: Yes. TPS holders receive Employment Authorization Documents that allow them to work for any employer in the United States. When DHS extends TPS, existing EADs are automatically extended for a specified period through a Federal Register notice. Your expired EAD card combined with the Federal Register notice serves as valid proof of work authorization.
Q:What happens if I travel outside the U.S. without a TPS travel document?
A: Departing the United States without an approved advance travel document (Form I-131) results in automatic abandonment of your TPS status. You will lose both removal protection and work authorization, and you will not be able to re-enter the country under TPS. Always obtain travel authorization before any international travel.
Q:Can I get a green card through TPS?
A: TPS itself does not provide a direct path to a green card. However, TPS holders can pursue permanent residence through family-based petitions, employment-based sponsorship, asylum, or the Diversity Visa lottery. TPS holders who travel abroad with proper documents and return are considered paroled for adjustment of status purposes, which is critical for those who entered without inspection.
Q:Does a DUI conviction disqualify me from TPS?
A: A single DUI conviction is generally classified as a misdemeanor and does not automatically bar you from TPS. However, two or more misdemeanor convictions create a permanent bar. Additionally, aggravated DUI charges or DUI with injury may be classified as felonies, which would permanently disqualify you. Consult an immigration attorney before filing if you have any criminal record.
Q:Can my family members get TPS if they arrived in the U.S. after the designation date?
A: TPS requires continuous physical presence since the most recent designation or redesignation date specified in the Federal Register notice. Family members who arrived after that date are not eligible under the current designation but may qualify if DHS issues a new redesignation with a later eligibility date. They should explore other forms of immigration relief such as asylum or humanitarian parole.
Q:How much does it cost to re-register for TPS?
A: The re-registration filing fee is $50 for Form I-821 plus $410 for Form I-765 (EAD application), totaling $460. Fee waivers are available through Form I-912 for applicants who demonstrate financial hardship, receive means-tested government benefits, or have household income below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Q:Is TPS for Sudan going to be terminated?
A: Given the ongoing armed conflict and humanitarian crisis in Sudan, termination of TPS is unlikely in the near term. DHS reviews country conditions before each extension decision. However, TPS designations are subject to political and policy considerations, and holders should always explore pathways to permanent status rather than relying solely on TPS extensions. Contact SoCal Immigration Services at (714) 421-8872 for current updates.
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