DHS announced today that it is extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Honduran and Nicaraguan nationals 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 extensions allow qualifying individuals from Honduras and Nicaragua to reapply for TPS and work authorization that will be valid until January 5, 2018. The re-registration period for begins on May 16, 2016, and ends on July 15, 2016. Employment authorization documents held by qualifying individuals already set to expire on July 5, 2016, are automatically extended through January 5, 2017. Employers can rely on the DHS announcement for I-9 employment verification and reverification purposes.