Ethiopia has been granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for an extended period of time for 18 months, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). TPS will only be available to people who already live in the United States as of October 20, 2022.

Alejandro N. Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, stated, “The United States recognizes the ongoing armed conflict and the extraordinary and temporary conditions engulfing Ethiopia, and DHS is committed to providing temporary protection to those in need.”

Ethiopians who are currently residing in the United States and who are unable to safely return due to conflict-related violence and a humanitarian crisis that includes severe food shortages, flooding, drought, and displacement will be able to remain in the United States and work there until conditions in their home country improve.

When one or more of the three statutory grounds for designation are met, a nation can be designated for TPS: ongoing armed conflict, environmental catastrophe, or exceptional and sporadic circumstances.

This designation is based on the ongoing armed conflict and unusual and sporadic conditions in Ethiopia that prevent Ethiopians and non-Ethiopians who have previously habitually resided in Ethiopia from safely returning.

Civilians are at risk of violence related to the conflict, such as rape, attacks, murder, and other forms of gender-based violence; detentions based on ethnicity; and violations and abuses of human rights.

A humanitarian crisis with severe food insecurity, flooding, drought, widespread displacement, and the impact of disease outbreaks are among the extraordinary and temporary conditions that further prevent nationals from returning safely.

This is Ethiopia’s first TPS designation. Under this designation, individuals who are eligible for TPS must have lived in the United States continuously since October 20, 2022. Under this designation, no one will be eligible for TPS if they try to travel to the United States after October 20, 2022.

The date of publication of the upcoming notice in the Federal Register will be Ethiopia’s 18-month designation. An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and instructions for applying for TPS will be provided in the Federal Register notice. All eligibility requirements for the TPS must be met, and applicants must pass security and background checks. 

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