Last week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) granted Ethiopia with a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for a time span of eighteen months. Ever since 2020, there has been a brutal civil war in Ethiopia’s Tigray region resulting in a severe humanitarian catastrophe over the whole nation. Many parts of Ethiopia are now facing extreme food shortages, hazardous environmental conditions, and resultant displacement in addition to human rights abuses and violence caused by ongoing conflicts.
As a result of the conditions in Ethiopia, the country qualifies for TPS under two of the three legal criteria, specifically ongoing armed conflict and exceptional and temporary conditions. Ethiopian nationals presently living in the United States who are unable to safely return to their country are able to stay in this country and be employed until circumstances in their country of origin get significantly better as it is very unsafe for them to return now.
To be considered for TPS under the Ethiopia designation, an individual must have remained in the United States continuously since October 20th, 2022. Candidates for TPS must also satisfy all other qualifying conditions and submit to background and security checks. It is crucial to note that travelers who enter the country after October 20th, 2022, will not be eligible for TPS. Although Ethiopian TPS holders are permitted to live and work in the United States for a limited time without facing deportation, there is no direct route to citizenship or permanent status under the TPS program.
