On October 21, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it has designated Ethiopia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. As a result, Ethiopian nationals (and those of no nationality who habitually resided in Ethiopia) already residing in the United States as of October 20, 2022, will be eligible for TPS.
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas has designated Ethiopia for TPS due to the ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions currently affecting the country. TPS permits qualifying Ethiopian nationals who cannot safely return to their home country due to conflict-related violence and a humanitarian crisis involving severe food shortages, flooding, drought, and displacement to remain and work in the United States until conditions in Ethiopia 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 Oct. 20, 2022. Those who attempt to travel to the United States after Oct. 20 will not be eligible under this designation. Ethiopia’s 18-month designation will go into effect on the publication date of the forthcoming Federal Register notice, which will in turn 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.
If you are a citizen or habitual resident of Ethiopia and believe you may be eligible to register for TPS, please contact Stephen Antwine, Esq. at Green & Spiegel for assistance at santwine@gands-us.com or (215) 395-8959.
