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Fact Sheet: TPS for Ethiopia
Posted on Dec 16 2022
This fact sheet is current as of December 12, 2022. It is not legal advice.
On Friday, October 21, 2022, Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, announced a new Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Ethiopia for 18 months, beginning on December 12, 2022 through June 12, 2024. Secretary Mayorkas made the decision to protect “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.”
What is temporary protected status (TPS)?
TPS is granted by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to eligible foreign-born individuals who are unable to return home safely due to conditions or circumstances preventing their return to their home country.
During the designated TPS period, TPS holders are not removable from the United States and not detainable by DHS based on their immigration status. TPS holders are eligible for an employment authorization document (EAD), and eligible for travel authorization.
What does the designation of TPS for Ethiopia mean?
This new designation enables Ethiopian nationals and individuals without nationality who last habitually resided in Ethiopia, who have continuously resided in the United States since October 20, 2022, to file initial applications for TPS.
Who is eligible for TPS under the Ethiopian designation?
Ethiopian nationals and individuals without nationality who last regularly lived in Ethiopia, who currently live in the United States, may file initial applications for TPS. Individuals must prove that they resided continuously in the United States since October 20, 2022.
Other eligibility criteria are included in the Federal Register Notice. All individuals applying for TPS undergo security and background checks as part of determining eligibility. The Federal Register notice will also explain the eligibility criteria applicants must meet and describe procedures necessary to submit an initial TPS application and apply for work authorization documentation.
Is TPS status given automatically?
No, TPS is not automatic. People must apply, pay a filing fee, and pass immigration screening. The application process can be complicated, and we recommend contacting a licensed immigration attorney.
The registration period for individuals to submit TPS applications under the designation of Ethiopia for TPS begins on December 12, 2022 and will remain in effect through Wednesday, June 12, 2024.
How long will eligible individuals have protection under TPS?
TPS is a temporary status. The Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas is designating Ethiopia for TPS for an 18-month period, from December 12, 2022 through June 24, 2024. That said, TPS status can be extended.
I am from Ethiopia, and the police have given me tickets here. Can I apply for TPS?
Maybe. You need to show your tickets to an immigration lawyer before filing. A person with two misdemeanors or one felony cannot get TPS. A lawyer can tell you if the tickets will be a problem.
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.