U.S. to Allow Syrians to Stay beyond Visas

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano moved Friday to allow Syrians in the United States to stay beyond their visas and avoid the risk of returning to their violence-torn country.

Napolitano said in a statement that, "in light of deteriorating conditions in Syria," the Department of Homeland Security will be designating Syria temporary protected status (TPS) for Syrians currently in the United States.

"Conditions in Syria have worsened to the point where Syrian nationals already in the United States would face serious threats to their personal safety if they were to return to their home country," Napolitano said.

DHS will next week publish a notice in the Federal Register offering guidance about TPS eligibility requirements and registration procedures, according to the statement.

"All applicants must undergo full background checks and while Syrians in the United States are encouraged to apply, they should not submit their applications before the notice is published," it said.

A DHS official said that "individuals with a criminal background or who pose a threat to national security are not eligible for TPS and their applications will be denied."

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services estimates that 2,500 to 3,000 individuals will be affected by the designation, the official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The DHS secretary may designate a country for TPS due to armed conflict like civil war, an environmental disaster such as a hurricane or earthquake, and an epidemic.

TPS is a temporary benefit that does not lead to lawful permanent resident status or give any other immigration status, according to USCIS.