The Department of Homeland Security announced the extension and redesignation of Ethiopia for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months, from June 13, 2024, to Dec. 12, 2025.

Key Points:

  • The extension will allow currently eligible Ethiopian TPS beneficiaries to retain TPS through Dec. 12, 2025, provided they continue to meet eligibility requirements.
  • The redesignation will allow Ethiopian nationals or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Ethiopia to file initial applications if they have continuously resided in the United States since April 11, 2024. Ethiopian nationals who were not residing in the United States as of April 11 are not eligible for TPS.
  • DHS published a Federal Register notice explaining the procedures necessary to re-register or submit an initial registration application and apply for an Employment Authorization Document.

Additional Information: Existing TPS beneficiaries who wish to extend their status through Dec. 12, 2025, must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period. In addition to demonstrating continuous residence in the United States since April 11, 2024, and meeting other eligibility criteria, initial applicants for TPS under this designation must demonstrate that they have been continuously physically present in the United States since June 13, 2024, the redesignation effective date.

BAL Analysis: Ethiopia was initially designated for TPS on Dec. 12, 2022, on the basis of extraordinary and temporary conditions that prevented nationals from returning safely. The extension and redesignation will allow additional eligible Ethiopian nationals to apply or reapply for TPS and TPS-related work authorization.

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

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