January 3, 2023.
On October 21, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designated Ethiopia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for the next 18 months. After much anticipation, the registration process for Ethiopian nationals opened on December 12, 2022. Qualifying individuals who resided in the United States since October 20, 2022 must file their applications by June 12, 2024. This program is estimated to benefit 26,700 Ethiopians in the United States!
On December 5, 2022, DHS extended the TPS designation for Haiti for another 18 months. Haitian nationals residing in the United States since November 6, 2022 have another opportunity to apply for apply for TPS through August 3, 2024. Notably, Haitians who arrived after November 6, 2022 are not eligible for TPS but may speak to an attorney regarding other relief, such as asylum, they may qualify for.
All qualifying TPS applicants, regardless of nationality, may request a work permit at the same time they file their application.
It is important to keep in mind that TPS is a temporary status and may not always exist in the future. (Unfortunately, as we saw during the Trump administration's efforts to remove long-standing TPS for El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, and other countries.) While TPS may provide temporary security from fear of being returned to a country in turmoil, it is important to speak to an attorney and see if you are eligible for a more permanent form of immigration status (such as asylum, green card through family, u-visa for victims of crime, etc.). These more permanent forms of immigration status include the benefit of a pathway to obtain a green card and U.S. citizenship that TPS does not provide. Get the legal information you need and make a plan early so your family is prepared for whatever the future may hold!
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