DHS Terminates Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopia
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopia following a review of current country conditions. According to DHS, conditions in Ethiopia no longer meet the statutory requirements necessary to justify a TPS designation.
This decision has serious consequences for Ethiopian nationals currently living and working in the United States under TPS protection. Understanding the timeline and your legal options is critical.
When Does Ethiopia TPS End?
TPS for Ethiopia will officially end on February 13, 2026.
Until that date, current TPS beneficiaries may continue to rely on their TPS-related protection and work authorization, provided their documentation remains valid. Once TPS ends, those protections will no longer apply.
What Happens After TPS Ends?
Ethiopian nationals who do not have another lawful immigration status after TPS termination may face the following:
- Loss of work authorization tied to TPS
- Loss of protection from removal
- Exposure to arrest, detention, and deportation by DHS
DHS has stated that individuals without lawful status will have 60 days to voluntarily depart the United States after TPS ends.
After February 13, 2026, DHS may begin enforcement actions against Ethiopian nationals who remain in the U.S. without legal status.
Do Not Assume You Have No Options
Termination of TPS does not automatically mean you must leave the United States. Many TPS holders may still qualify for other forms of immigration relief, including:
- Asylum or withholding of removal
- Family-based immigration petitions
- Employment-based visas or permanent residence options
- Other humanitarian or discretionary relief
Every case is different, and eligibility depends on individual circumstances, immigration history, and timing.
Why Timing Matters
Waiting until TPS officially ends can severely limit your options. Some immigration benefits require filing before TPS expires or before enforcement actions begin.
Speaking with an experienced immigration attorney as early as possible allows time to:
- Review your full immigration history
- Identify any available paths to lawful status
- Prepare and file applications correctly and on time
Get Legal Advice Now
If you or a loved one is currently protected under Ethiopia’s TPS designation, now is the time to act. Immigration decisions made without legal guidance can have permanent consequences.
📞 Consult with a qualified immigration attorney to understand your rights, risks, and potential options before the TPS termination date.