Title: DHS Confirms Termination of Temporary Protected Status for Ethiopia: Essential Information for Current Beneficiaries
Date: November 14, 2023
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopia, a significant decision impacting thousands of Ethiopian nationals currently residing in the United States. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas determined that the extraordinary and temporary conditions that initially warranted Ethiopia’s TPS designation no longer exist. This termination will become effective on June 12, 2024.
Temporary Protected Status offers eligible individuals from specific countries a temporary stay and work authorization in the U.S. when their home country is deemed unsafe due to armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary conditions. Ethiopia was initially designated for TPS on June 12, 2021, a designation that was subsequently extended. Following a comprehensive review of the current country conditions, the DHS concluded that the circumstances supporting this designation have sufficiently improved, paving the way for its termination.
For current beneficiaries of Ethiopia’s TPS, this announcement brings a critical deadline and important actions. To ensure they maintain their TPS and related work authorization until the June 12, 2024, termination date, eligible individuals must re-register during the designated 60-day window. This re-registration period commences on November 15, 2023, and concludes on January 14, 2024. Failure to re-register within this timeframe could result in the loss of TPS benefits.
Those who re-register and apply for new Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) will find their existing EADs automatically extended until June 12, 2024, preventing gaps in employment eligibility. It is crucial to understand that individuals who have not previously been granted TPS under Ethiopia's designation are not eligible to apply for this status now. This termination specifically affects existing beneficiaries.
The DHS strongly advises all current Ethiopian TPS beneficiaries to use this time to explore other potential immigration pathways. Given the impending termination, consulting with an experienced immigration attorney is highly recommended to assess eligibility for alternative immigration statuses or relief available under U.S. law. Options might include asylum, family-based visas, or other temporary or permanent residency programs, depending on individual circumstances.
This decision underscores the U.S. government's commitment to regularly review and update TPS designations based on evolving country conditions. While the program offers vital temporary protection, its nature is inherently temporary. Beneficiaries are encouraged to proactively seek legal counsel and prepare for the conclusion of their TPS status to ensure their continued legal presence in the United States. Detailed guidance on eligibility, re-registration procedures, and EAD applications can be found in the forthcoming Federal Register notice from USCIS.
