Obama administration to grant protected status to Syrians in US

WASHINGTON – The Obama administration will allow Syrians in the United States to temporarily stay beyond the expiration of their visas and not deport those in the country illegally due to deteriorating conditions in their native country.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced Friday that Syrians in the U.S. would be given temporary protected status because they would face "serious threats to their personal safety" if they were to return to Syria. She said details of the program, including eligibility requirements will be published early next week in the Federal Register.

Syrians in the U.S. have to apply for the status and must undergo a full background check before it is granted. Napolitano encouraged Syrians to apply but said they should not do until the notice is published.