Temporary protected status (TPS) is a status the United States government offers the nationals of countries that are in turmoil. That turmoil could be ongoing armed conflict, an environmental disaster or another extraordinary but temporary condition.

The Department of Homeland Security has recently offered TPS to qualifying nationals and certain habitual residents of Ethiopia who were already in the U.S. as of October 20, 2022.

This designation of TPS for Ethiopia was issued because of ongoing armed conflict and a simultaneous humanitarian crisis. The TPS designation will last 18 months but could be extended beyond that if conditions do not improve.

Receiving TPS means that you:

  • Don’t have to go back to Ethiopia as long as TPS lasts
  • Cannot be detained or deported based on your prior status
  • Can get an employment authorization document (work permit)
  • May be granted authorization to travel

TPS is available to people who:

  • File an application for TPS before the deadline (and renew appropriately)
  • Are nationals of Ethiopia or people with no nationality who most recently resided in Ethiopia
  • Have been continuously physically present in the United States as of October 20, 2022
  • Have been continuously residing in the United States since October 20, 2022
  • Have not been convicted of a felony or two misdemeanor offenses in the U.S.
  • Are not inadmissible for criminal or security reasons
  • Are not subject to a mandatory bar to asylum (such as having persecuted others or engaged in terrorism)

You do have to apply. If you think you might not meet all of the qualifications, talk to an immigration lawyer. You may be able to get a waiver.

TPS is not a legal status that can lead to lawful permanent residency. However, being granted TPS does not prevent you from applying for another status, as long as you qualify.

If you are from Ethiopia and were in the U.S. as of October 20, 2022, you may qualify for this status. Contact Yew Immigration Law Group. We have years of experience helping people live and work in the United States.