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Fact Sheet: Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopia
Posted on Apr 30 2024
This fact sheet is current as of April 15, 2024. It is not legal advice.
On Friday, April 12, 2024, Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, announced the extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopia for 18 months, from June 13, 2024, through December 12, 2025. The corresponding Federal Register Notice (FRN) gives more information about how to register as a new or current TPS holder.
What is temporary protected status (TPS)?
The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grants TPS to individuals from designated countries who are unable to return home safely due to conditions or circumstances in their home countries.
During the designated TPS period, TPS holders are allowed to live in the United States and cannot be detained by DHS just based on their immigration status. TPS holders are eligible to apply for an employment authorization document (EAD) and for travel authorization.
What does the extension of TPS for Ethiopia mean?
If you have TPS under the current designation for Ethiopia, you can apply to extend TPS. To receive the TPS extension, you must re-register for TPS by applying during the 60-day re-registration period from April 15, 2024, through June 14, 2024. If approved, your TPS and EAD will be extended through December 12, 2025. The FRN gives more details.
Note: It is important for TPS holders to re-register during the registration period. Do not wait until your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expires. This could result in gaps in your employment authorization documentation.
What does the re-designation of TPS for Ethiopia mean?
If you are an Ethiopian national and have never had TPS, you can now apply for the first time if you have lived in the United States continuously since April 11, 2024. You can apply for TPS during the first-time registration period. You must also meet the eligibility requirements. If you left the United States for any reason, talk to an immigration attorney.
The first-time registration period for new applicants under the Ethiopian TPS redesignation is from April 15, 2024, through December 12, 2025. Other eligibility requirements are described in the FRN.
How do I apply for TPS?
People interested in TPS must file an application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and pay the filing fee. They may also apply for an EAD and for travel authorization. All individuals applying for TPS undergo security and background checks as part of determining eligibility.
If you currently have Ethiopian TPS: The re-registration period for current TPS holders is from April 15, 2024, through June 14, 2024.
If you are applying for Ethiopian TPS for the first time: The first-time registration period for new applicants is from April 15, 2024, through December 12, 2025.
Is TPS status given automatically?
No, TPS is not automatic. People must apply, pay a filing fee, and pass immigration screening. There are some facts that will make a person ineligible for TPS. For example, people with certain criminal convictions or who violated the human rights of others are not eligible for TPS. People who are inadmissible under certain sections of the law may have to file a waiver before they can be approved for TPS status. The application process can be complicated, and we recommend contacting a licensed immigration attorney.
How long will eligible individuals have protection under TPS for Ethiopia?
TPS is a temporary status. The Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas extended and redesignated Ethiopia for TPS until December 12, 2025, TPS status can, however, be extended.
I have been in the United States since before April 11, 2024, but I have left for short periods of time. Can I apply for TPS?
Maybe. Whether you still qualify for TPS depends on the length and nature of your time outside of the United States. Please contact an immigration attorney to discuss your situation further.
I am from Ethiopia, and I am in deportation proceedings. Can I apply for TPS to avoid deportation?
Yes. A person in removal proceedings can apply for TPS and, if approved, can request that the judge put the removal case on hold until TPS is approved, and then for the time it is in effect.
Does TPS Status provide a path to permanent residency?
No, TPS does not provide a path to lawful permanent resident status. However, some TPS holders may be independently eligible to adjust status through a family-based, employment-based, or other legal avenue. Please consult with an immigration lawyer regarding this issue.
Get Help
The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) provides free immigration legal services to low-income immigrants in a variety of immigration matters. For more information about how we can assist you, please visit our website at www.ilcm.org or call us at (651) 641-1011.