End of Temporary Protected Status for Ethiopian Nationals

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced an end to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopians residing in the United States.

In a release on Friday, DHS clarified that the TPS designation is “time-limited” and not meant as a pathway to permanent residency. As a result, Ethiopian nationals without a “legal basis” to stay in the U.S. will have 60 days to leave voluntarily.

A representative from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) stated that “Temporary protected status designations are time-limited and are never intended to be a ticket to permanent residence.” They also noted that conditions in Ethiopia no longer pose a significant danger to the safety of returning nationals. Therefore, Secretary Noem has decided to terminate the TPS designation to maintain the integrity of the immigration system.

According to the announcement:

Ethiopian nationals without any legal basis to remain in the U.S. will be granted 60 days to leave voluntarily. Those departing are encouraged to report their exit using the U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP Home mobile app. This method allows for a safe self-deportation with benefits such as free airfare, a $1,000 exit bonus, and potential future legal immigration options.

Beginning February 13, 2026, DHS may begin arresting and deporting ineligible Ethiopians after the TPS period ends. If individuals compel DHS to take action against them, they could be barred from returning to the United States.

Reports from earlier indicate that under the Biden administration, more than 15,000 Ethiopian nationals in the U.S. were granted TPS amnesties.

At that time, it was noted that the number of foreign nationals eligible for or receiving TPS amnesties had increased to approximately 1.2 million.

Previously, the Trump administration’s DHS also ended TPS for many Burmese, Honduran, Venezuelan, and Haitian nationals living in the U.S.