DHS Designates Ethiopia for Temporary Protected Status for 18 Months

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the designation of Ethiopia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. Only individuals who are already residing in the United States as of October 20, 2022, will be eligible for TPS.

In a statement by the Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, the United States recognized the ongoing conflict and temporary conditions occurring in Ethiopia. Mayorkas expressed the Department’s commitment to “provide temporary protection to those in need.” According to the TPS provisions, “Ethiopian nationals currently residing in the U.S. who cannot safely return due to conflict-related violence and a humanitarian crisis involving severe food shortages, flooding, drought, and displacement, will be able to remain and work in the United States until conditions in their home country improve.”

This will be Ethiopia’s first designation for TPS. Individuals eligible for TPS under this designation must have continuously resided in the United States since October 20, 2022. Individuals who attempt to travel to the United States after October 20, 2022, will not be eligible for TPS under this designation. Ethiopia’s 18-month designation will go into effect on the publication date of the forthcoming Federal Register notice. The Federal Register notice will provide instructions for applying for TPS and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). TPS applicants must meet all eligibility requirements and undergo security and background checks.

View the full news release here.

If you have any questions about the TPS process, please contact one of our expert attorneys for more information.