Biden Administration Extends and Redesignates TPS for Ethiopia

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced an 18-month extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopia, effective from June 13, 2024, to December 12, 2025. This decision allows eligible Ethiopian nationals residing in the United States as of April 11, 2024, to apply for TPS and includes a Special Student Relief notice.

Advocacy organizations such as ECDC, African Communities Together, and CUSP have welcomed the move, deeming it necessary to protect Ethiopian citizens in the U.S. given the ongoing crises in Ethiopia, including armed conflict, displacement, drought, and food insecurity. The extension and redesignation come after months of advocacy by grassroots organizations and support from members of Congress.

Existing TPS beneficiaries who wish to extend their status must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period. Initial applicants for TPS under this designation must demonstrate continuous physical presence in the United States since June 13, 2024, the redesignation effective date. Ethiopia was initially designated for TPS on December 12, 2022, due to extraordinary and temporary conditions that prevented nationals from returning safely.

Why this matters: The TPS extension and redesignation will provide lifesaving relief to impacted families and contribute to local, state, and national economies, as many TPS holders participate in the labor force and send funds to relatives in their home countries.

DHS has also temporarily reinstated a 540-day automatic extension of work authorization for eligible Employment Authorization Document (EAD) applicants and is considering making this change permanent. Additional instructions have been published on how to apply for the extended and redesignated TPS.

AILA President Farshad Owji responded to the Biden Administration's actions, stating, "The extension and redesignation of TPS for Ethiopia is a victory for Ethiopian nationals who have fought hard for this outcome. The conditions in Ethiopia warrant this relief, as the country continues to face multiple conflicts and humanitarian crises."

Key Takeaways

• DHS extends and redesignates TPS for Ethiopia until Dec 2025, effective June 2024.
• TPS allows eligible Ethiopians in the US as of April 2024 to apply for protection.
• Advocacy groups welcome the move, citing ongoing crises in Ethiopia like conflict and drought.
• Existing TPS holders must re-register, while new applicants must show continuous presence.
• TPS extension provides relief to families, supports economies as holders participate in workforce.