United States | Ethiopia TPS designation termination effective Aug. 18

According to an Aug. 18, 2026, update published by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, “the Ethiopia [Temporary Protected Status (TPS)] designation is terminated, effective August 18, 2026.”

The update supersedes the Aug. 6 update, which included Form I-9 guidance indicating employment authorization for Ethiopian TPS beneficiaries was set to expire on Aug. 19, 2026.

In the current alert, USCIS directs employers that “Forms I-766, Employment Authorization Document (EADs), with category A12 or C19 issued to TPS Ethiopia beneficiaries are no longer valid. Employers must reverify TPS Ethiopia beneficiaries who presented these EADs and cannot continue employing a person who does not provide proof of current employment authorization.” The USCIS TPS Ethiopia page is currently archived.

Employers are encouraged to consult with their BAL attorney for case-specific guidance.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.

Copyright © 2026 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.