TPS Extension and Redesignation for Ethiopia Announced by DHS

What Does the DHS Extension Mean for Ethiopians Under TPS?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a crucial update for Ethiopians residing in the United States, extending and redesignating the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopia until December 12, 2025. This decision reflects the ongoing unrest and environmental challenges within the region.

Why Has the TPS for Ethiopia Been Extended?

The extension was compelled by the persistent armed conflict in the Amhara Region, alongside violence and human rights abuses in other areas. Challenges such as droughts, floods, and diseases also play a substantial role in this decision. The DHS aims to offer protection to approximately 2,300 individuals currently under TPS and allows an additional 12,800 eligible individuals to apply due to the redesignation.

How Can Affected Individuals Apply or Re-register?

Applications for re-registration and renewals for Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) should be submitted during the 60-day window starting April 15, 2024. Those currently holding EADs set to expire on June 12, 2024, will benefit from an automatic extension until June 12, 2025, allowing them time to receive their new documentation.

If you need more details on work authorization for Ethiopians or other countries under TPS, the USCIS work authorization tool provides comprehensive guidance.

Who is Eligible for the Redesignation?

To qualify for the TPS redesignation, individuals must have been in the United States on or before April 11, 2024, and must have continually resided in the U.S. since then. The window for redesignation applications also concludes on December 12, 2025. It’s vital for those affected to comply with these timelines to ensure their continued protection under U.S. law.

Additional Support for Ethiopian Students

Ethiopian students facing severe economic difficulties due to the crises back home can seek permission for work authorization or request to work increased hours during the school session. This provision is specifically designed to assist students in maintaining their studies and living conditions amid financial hardships.

The DHS’s decision to extend and redesignate TPS for Ethiopians is a compassionate response to the ongoing Ethiopia armed conflict and the resultant humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the U.S. commitment to providing sanctuary to those in dire need. For those affected, staying informed and promptly responding to re-registration requirements is essential to maintaining their legal status in the U.S.

Learn Today:

Glossary of Immigration-Related Terms

1. Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
   • Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, is a designation granted by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to eligible nationals of certain countries experiencing conditions such as ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or extraordinary and temporary conditions that prevent safe return. Individuals who are granted TPS are not removable from the United States during the designated period, can obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), and may be granted travel authorization.
2. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
   • The Department of Homeland Security is a federal department of the U.S. government that focuses on public security. Its responsibilities include anti-terrorism, border security, immigration and customs, cyber security, and disaster prevention and management. DHS plays a key role in implementing and managing immigration policies, including the administration of TPS.
3. Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
   • An Employment Authorization Document, commonly referred to as an EAD, is a document issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that provides the holder the legal right to work in the United States. It is typically required for individuals who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, including those with TPS, to prove that they are allowed to work.
4. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
   • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is a component of the Department of Homeland Security. USCIS is responsible for the administration of immigration and naturalization adjudication functions and establishing immigration services policies and priorities. These functions include the processing of applications for work authorization, citizenship, and permanent residency, among others.
5. Redesignation
   • Redesignation refers to the process by which the Department of Homeland Security updates or redefines the eligibility criteria for a country under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program. Redesignation allows additional individuals from that country who may not have been eligible under the original designation to apply for TPS if they meet the newly established eligibility criteria specific to their country due to worsening conditions.

These definitions aim to clarify the specialized terminology associated with immigration law and policies, particularly focusing on aspects relevant to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and related procedures.

This Article In A Nutshell:

The DHS extended and redesigned Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopians until 2025 due to ongoing conflicts and environmental issues. Re-registration and work authorization applications start April 15, 2024. Eligible individuals must have been in the U.S. by April 11, 2024. Students facing hardships can request increased work hours.
— By VisaVerge.com

Read More:

1. Applying for an H1B Visa After Switching from F1 to TPS Status – Learn about the transition from student visa to temporary protected status and how it impacts H1B eligibility.

2. Navigating the I-485 Application as a TPS Beneficiary: A Comprehensive Guide – Essential insights for TPS holders seeking permanent residency through adjustment of status.

3. Using Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Adjustment of Status: Eligibility Criteria and Green Card Process – Understand the pathway from TPS to Green Card, including eligibility and procedural steps.

4. Understanding the I-485 Process for TPS Immigration Adjustment – Detailed analysis of the I-485 form and its implications for TPS holders.

5. Secretary Mayorkas Extends Syria TPS and Invites Applications for Temporary Protected Status – Latest updates on Syria’s TPS extension and application guidance from the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security.