US to end deportation protection for Syrian migrants

The US Department of Homeland Security announced on September 20 that it will end protection from deportation for Syrian migrants, part of President Donald Trump’s broader initiative to rescind legal status for certain migrant groups.

According to Asharq Al-Awsat, a notice published in the Federal Register states that this measure will terminate the temporary protected status (TPS) of over 6,000 Syrians who have held legal status in the United States since 2012.

"Conditions in Syria no longer prevent citizens from returning home. Syria has been a hotbed of terrorism and extremism for nearly two decades, and allowing Syrians to remain in our country is contrary to our national interests," said Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Trisha McLaughlin in a statement.

Syrian citizens currently residing in the US under TPS will have 60 days to voluntarily leave and return to Syria. Those who remain in the country after this period may face arrest and deportation.

By Tamilla Hasanova