DHS announced that it is extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of El Salvador who already hold TPS. TPS allows qualifying individuals to remain and work lawfully in the United States until conditions in their home countries improve. The new extension allows qualifying individuals from El Salvador to reapply for TPS and work authorization that will be valid until September 9, 2016. The re-registration period is now open and ends on March 9, 2015.  Employment authorization documents held by qualifying individuals already set to expire on March 9, 2015 (and endorsed “A-12” or “C-19” under “category”), are automatically extended for an additional six months, through September 9, 2015. Employers can rely on the DHS announcement or Federal Register Notice for I-9 employment verification and reverification purposes.