Six U.S. senators are urging President Obama to extend the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) of Syrian nationals currently residing in the country. In a letter issued last week the senators called on Obama to take the action in order protect Syrians from returning to their homeland, since it remains unsafe following the unrest that started last year which was sparked by the Arab Spring uprisings. Since May of last year the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) has publicly asked for the presidential TPS designation to protect Syrians. The senators who issued the letter include U.S. Senators Durbin (D-IL), Leahy (D-VT), Feinstein (D-CA), Menendez (D-NJ), Cardin (D-MD) and Casey (D-PA). USCRI President and Chief Executive Officer, Lavinia Limon praised the group’s decision to step up and raise awareness on the challenges Syrians face in returning their country. 

“We are gratified that this important group of Senators, all of whom carry great influence in foreign policy matters, have made this request,” said Limon. 

“Syrians now in the United States cannot, and should not have to, return to the dangerous war zone in their home country.  Granting them temporary protected status will allow them to remain here safely and legally until the situation in Syria is stabilized.  We are very pleased that these Senate leaders have joined with refugee advocates in this request for protection, and we hope that the President will listen.”

TPS is a temporary immigration status, which allows foreign nationals who meet all registration requirements to live, work, and study in the United States during the period of designation. It does not lead to permanent residency. TPS may be granted in situations where there are extraordinary and temporary conditions, such as war or natural disaster, in the home country that prevent nationals from returning safely.