USCIS Issues Reminder – TPS for Burundi Ends on May 2

WASHINGTON– USCIS today reminded the public that Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Burundian nationals (or aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in Burundi) terminates effective 12:01 a.m. May 2, 2009. Estimates are that 20 to 30 individuals are registered under the TPS designation for Burundi. 

To provide sufficient time for an orderly transition, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) gave Burundian TPS beneficiaries 18-months advance notice of the expiration by publishing a notice in the Federal Register on Oct. 29, 2007 (available in the related links section of this page). This notice also stated that individuals would revert to the same immigration status they held before receiving TPS, unless that status has expired or been terminated.

Individuals with no lawful immigration status before receiving TPS will revert to unlawful status on May 2, 2009, and will no longer be eligible for a stay of removal or employment authorization based on TPS.

In addition, TPS-related Employment Authorization Documents issued under the Burundi designation will expire effective 12:01 a.m. May 2, 2009, and will not be renewed or extended.

Based upon a review of the conditions in Burundi and consultation with appropriate government agencies, the DHS Secretary determined in 2007 that termination of the TPS designation of Burundi is warranted and Burundians (or aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in Burundi) may safely return to Burundi.

Basic information on the TPS program and updates specific to countries designated for TPS is available in the related links section of this page, or at http://www.uscis.gov/tps.

Burundian nationals covered under the TPS designation may also contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center at (800) 375-5273.