Ongoing civil war and earthquakes motivate refugee designation extension.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has extended the Temporary Protected Status time period for citizens of Syria by 18 months, allowing current refugees to remain in the United States until September 30, 2025.
The Middle Eastern nation is currently experiencing civil war, hindering recovery efforts from earthquakes that hit the nation on February 6, 2023. There are currently 6,200 Syrian refugees living in America, and this extension allows an additional 2,000 to apply for the department’s emergency refugee program.
“We recognize the vulnerable status of Syrian nationals already present in the United States who cannot safely return home,” said Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. “We are therefore using the legal tool available to us to provide them with this much-needed humanitarian relief.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Mayorkas to receive God’s guidance as he heads the Department of Homeland Security.
- For DHS officials to be discerning in their evaluations and extensions of refugee protections.
Sources: Department of Homeland Security
