United States | Termination of Ethiopia TPS designation effective Feb. 13, 2026

Today, the Department of Homeland Security published a Federal Register Notice (FRN) terminating the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation of Ethiopia, effective Feb. 13, 2026.

Key Points:

• DHS stated, “Based on the Department’s review, the Secretary has determined that the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Ethiopia is required. The Secretary has determined that, while some sporadic and episodic violence occurs in Ethiopia, the situation no longer meets the criteria for an ongoing armed conflict that poses a serious threat to the personal safety of returning Ethiopian nationals.”
• Regarding work authorization for Ethiopian TPS beneficiaries during the 60-day transition period, the FRN states, “DHS automatically extends the validity of certain Employment Authorization Documents previously issued under the Temporary Protected Status designation of Ethiopia through Feb. 13, 2026. Therefore, as proof of continued employment authorization through Feb. 13, 2026, Temporary Protected Status beneficiaries can show their Employment Authorization Documents that have the notation A-12 or C-19 under Category and a ‘Card Expires’ dates of June 12, 2024, and Dec. 12, 2025.”
• According to the FRN, “After Feb. 13, 2026, nationals of Ethiopia (and aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in Ethiopia) who have been granted Temporary Protected Status under Ethiopia’s designation will no longer have Temporary Protected Status.”

Additional Information: BAL will continue to monitor related developments and provide updates.

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

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