BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement on the announcement that the Department of Homeland Security will offer extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for eligible nationals of Nepal (and those without nationality who last habitually resided in Nepal) for an additional 18 months, effective Dec. 25, 2016, through June 24, 2018.

“Since the devastating earthquake last year that killed thousands of people and destroyed much of the nation’s infrastructure, the people of Nepal have worked diligently to start the hard process of recovery. Unfortunately, these efforts have oftentimes been undermined by political instability that impedes the coordinated reconstruction of Nepal. I am hopeful that this eighteen-month extension of Temporary Protected Status will allow Nepalese nationals living in the United States to support relief efforts with remittances to their families and allow the situation to improve before returning home.”

Current TPS Nepal beneficiaries who want to extend their TPS must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period that extends from October 26, 2016 through December 27, 2016. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) encourages beneficiaries to re-register as soon as possible once the 60-day re-registration period begins.

Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, a member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, and the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, the Committee on Ethics and the Committee on Small Business in the House of Representatives, proudly represents Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Gerritsen Beach, Madison, Midwood, Park Slope, Flatlands, Prospect Heights, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, Sheepshead Bay, and Windsor Terrace.