; and (II) (aa) receives a positive protection determination and is subsequently referred under section 235B(c)(2)(B)(i) for a protection merits interview; or (bb) is referred under section 235B(f)(1) for a protection merits interview; and (B) is released from the physical custody of the Secretary of Homeland Security. (2) Application The Secretary of Homeland Security shall grant employment authorization to— (A) an alien described in paragraph (1)(A)(i) immediately upon such alien's release from physical custody; (B) an alien described in paragraph (1)(A)(ii)(II)(aa) at the time such alien receives a positive protection determination or is referred for a protection merits interview; and (C) an alien described in paragraph (1)(A)(ii)(II)(bb) on the date that is 30 days after the date on which such alien files an application pursuant to section 235B(f). (b) Term Employment authorization under this section— (1) shall be for an initial period of 2 years; and (2) shall be renewable, as applicable— (A) for additional 2-year periods while the alien is in protection merits removal proceedings, including while the outcome of the protection merits interview is under administrative or judicial review; or (B) until the date on which— (i) the alien receives a negative protection merits determination