Honduras and Nicaragua have been designated for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) 12 times since their initial designation in December 1998 after Hurricane Mitch ravaged Central America. This year, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has extended the program from January 6, 2015, when it was set to expire, through July 5, 2016, for an additional 18 months.
The re-registration period will run from October 16, 2014, through December 15, 2014. To re-register an applicant must submit Forms I-821 and I-765, with applicable filing fees, and must demonstrate eligibility for renewal or late initial filing. The eligibility requirements are:
1) National of Honduras or Nicaragua; AND
2) Continuously physically present in the U.S. as of 01/05/1999 and continuously resided in the U.S. since 12/30/1998; AND
3) Have no felony convictions nor two or more misdemeanor convictions; AND
4) Have registered before or qualify for late initial filing this year
a. Have applied during the initial registration period, which ended on 08/20/1999; OR
b. Be eligible for late initial registration and file application within 60 days from the expiration or termination of a valid non-immigrant status, voluntary departure, or pending application for change of status, adjustment of status, asylum, voluntary departure, or any relief from removal, or parole status; OR
c. Meet all of the original eligibility requirements and be the spouse or child of a person currently registered and be otherwise eligible and have been so at the time of the initial registration period.
The late initial filing rules do not leave much room for new applicants. A person from Honduras or Nicaragua who arrived in the U.S. in 2004, for example, would not qualify for TPS, even if her spouse or parent is registered in the TPS program.