Updated: Jun 06, 2024
Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas recently announced the extension and redesignation of Ethiopia for Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
This significant decision highlights the United States' ongoing commitment to providing humanitarian relief to individuals affected by severe crises.
With Ethiopia facing ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary conditions, this move aims to offer temporary refuge to Ethiopian nationals already residing in the U.S., ensuring their safety and stability.
This announcement underscores the importance of TPS in addressing urgent humanitarian needs while supporting the Ethiopian community during these challenging times.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a vital humanitarian program established by the U.S. government to offer temporary legal status to nationals from countries experiencing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions.
Created by the Immigration Act of 1990, TPS allows eligible individuals to live and work in the United States for a designated period without fear of deportation.
This program not only provides safety and stability to those affected but also allows them to contribute to the U.S. economy and society during their stay.
Countries designated for TPS are periodically reviewed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to determine if conditions warrant an extension or termination of the status.
Currently, several countries, including Syria, Venezuela, and Haiti, are designated for TPS, reflecting the U.S.'s commitment to humanitarian relief.
On April 12, 2024, Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced the extension and redesignation of Ethiopia for TPS. This decision reflects the worsening conditions in Ethiopia, including ongoing armed conflict and severe humanitarian crises.
The announcement underscores the U.S. government's recognition of the urgent need to protect Ethiopian nationals from returning to unsafe conditions.
Secretary Mayorkas emphasized the United States' dedication to humanitarian protection and the importance of TPS in providing temporary refuge to those in need.
This move ensures that Ethiopian nationals in the U.S. can continue to live and work safely without the immediate threat of deportation.
The extension of TPS for Ethiopia means that Ethiopian nationals who currently hold TPS can continue to benefit from this protection for an additional period.
This extension is crucial as it acknowledges the persistent unsafe conditions in Ethiopia that prevent nationals from safely returning to their home country.
Under the new extension, Ethiopian TPS holders will be able to re-register and maintain their status, allowing them to live and work in the United States legally.
This extension will affect approximately 2,300 Ethiopian nationals, providing them with much-needed security and stability.
The extension and redesignation of Ethiopia for TPS will be for 18 months, from June 13, 2024, to December 12, 2025.
By extending TPS for Ethiopia, the U.S. government reaffirms its commitment to humanitarian principles and the protection of vulnerable populations.
This decision ensures that Ethiopian nationals already residing in the U.S. can remain safe from the ongoing crises in their homeland.
The redesignation of Ethiopia for Temporary Protected Status is a critical step that allows more Ethiopian nationals to qualify for protection under TPS.
Redesignation differs from extension as it sets new eligibility dates, enabling individuals who have recently arrived in the United States to apply for TPS.
This measure is particularly important given the escalating conflict and humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia, which has forced many to seek refuge abroad.
With this redesignation, Ethiopian nationals who have continuously resided in the United States since April 11, 2024, and meet the eligibility criteria can now apply for TPS.
This move extends protection to those who were previously ineligible and highlights the U.S. government's responsiveness to the evolving situation in Ethiopia.
The redesignation opens the door for an estimated 12,800 additional Ethiopian nationals, or individuals who last habitually resided in Ethiopia without nationality, to file initial applications for TPS.
These applicants must have established residence in the United States on or before April 11, 2024, and maintained continuous residence since then.
This redesignation helps ensure that newly arrived Ethiopian nationals can avoid returning to dangerous conditions and secure temporary safety and legal status in the United States.
The extension and redesignation of Ethiopia for TPS are driven by compelling humanitarian reasons. Ethiopia is currently experiencing severe internal conflict, which has resulted in widespread violence, displacement, and a humanitarian crisis.
These conditions make it unsafe for Ethiopian nationals to return to their home country.
The ongoing conflict in regions such as Tigray, Amhara, and Afar has led to significant civilian casualties, destruction of infrastructure, and disruption of basic services.
Humanitarian organizations report that millions of Ethiopians are in urgent need of assistance, with many facing acute food insecurity and lack of access to medical care.
The U.S. government, in recognition of these dire circumstances, has taken the necessary steps to extend and redesignate Ethiopia for TPS, providing temporary refuge for those affected by these crises.
For Ethiopian nationals seeking to benefit from the extension and redesignation of TPS, understanding the application process is essential.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has outlined specific steps and requirements to ensure a smooth application process.
Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must demonstrate continuous residence in the United States since April 11, 2024 and meet all other eligibility requirements. They must also provide evidence of their Ethiopian nationality.
Filing Deadlines: It is crucial for applicants to adhere to the filing deadlines set by USCIS. Those who currently hold TPS must re-register during the designated re-registration period to maintain their status.
New applicants must file their applications within the specified registration period for redesignation.
Required Documentation: Applicants need to submit a completed Form I-821 (Application for Temporary Protected Status), along with supporting documents such as proof of identity, nationality, and continuous residence in the United States.
Additionally, applicants must file Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) if they wish to obtain work authorization.
Fees: There are associated fees for filing TPS applications, including biometrics services fees. Fee waivers may be available for eligible individuals who can demonstrate financial hardship.
Assistance and Resources: Various resources are available to assist applicants, including legal aid organizations and community groups.
The USCIS website provides detailed information and instructions on the application process, and applicants are encouraged to seek guidance to ensure their applications are complete and accurate.
By following these steps, Ethiopian nationals can apply for TPS, gaining temporary protection and the ability to live and work in the United States while the situation in their home country remains unstable.
The extension and redesignation of TPS for Ethiopia have profound implications for the Ethiopian community in the United States.
This decision provides a sense of security and stability for thousands of Ethiopian nationals who have been living in uncertainty due to the ongoing conflict in their home country.
With the assurance that they can remain in the U.S. without the threat of deportation, these individuals can continue to build their lives and contribute to their communities.
For many Ethiopian families, this TPS extension means the ability to maintain employment, pursue education, and access essential services without fear of being forced to return to unsafe conditions.
The psychological and emotional relief this brings cannot be overstated, as it allows individuals to focus on their personal and professional development.
Additionally, the ability to work legally in the U.S. enables TPS holders to support their families both here and back in Ethiopia, providing vital remittances that contribute to the well-being of their relatives affected by the crisis.
Community organizations and advocacy groups within the Ethiopian diaspora have expressed strong support for this decision.
They view it as a compassionate and necessary step that acknowledges the severe challenges facing Ethiopia.
These organizations continue to offer resources and support to help community members navigate the TPS application and re-registration processes, ensuring that as many eligible individuals as possible can benefit from this protection.
The extension and redesignation of Ethiopia for TPS have garnered reactions from various stakeholders, including government officials, lawmakers, and advocacy groups.
Many U.S. lawmakers have praised the decision, recognizing it as a vital humanitarian action that aligns with American values of compassion and protection for those in need.
Bipartisan support highlights the widespread acknowledgment of the crisis in Ethiopia and the necessity of providing temporary refuge to its nationals.
Advocacy groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) specializing in immigration and human rights have also welcomed the announcement.
They emphasize that TPS is a crucial mechanism for safeguarding individuals fleeing from life-threatening situations and preventing forced returns to dangerous environments.
These groups continue to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform and additional support for TPS holders, ensuring that they receive the resources and protections needed during their stay in the U.S.
Internationally, the Ethiopian government and diaspora communities have taken note of this decision.
While some may have mixed feelings about the need for such measures, there is a general appreciation for the protection and assistance provided to Ethiopian nationals during this turbulent period.
The international community's response underscores the importance of global solidarity in addressing humanitarian crises.
The extension and redesignation of Ethiopia for Temporary Protected Status reflect the U.S. government's commitment to humanitarian aid and the protection of vulnerable populations.
By offering temporary refuge to Ethiopian nationals amidst ongoing conflict and crisis, this decision provides much-needed security and stability to thousands of individuals.
The impact on the Ethiopian community in the U.S. is profound, enabling them to continue their lives without fear of deportation and contribute positively to their communities.
The support from various stakeholders, including government officials, advocacy groups, and the international community, underscores the importance of TPS as a humanitarian tool.
As conditions in Ethiopia remain challenging, the extension and redesignation of TPS offer a critical lifeline to those affected, ensuring they have the opportunity to live safely and with dignity in the United States.
Reference:
Secretary Mayorkas Announces Extension and Redesignation of Ethiopia for Temporary Protected Status on USCIS.gov.
This website is owned and operated by sweet startup ltd, a private company. We are not affiliated with any government or embassy.
© 2013-2024 USA-VISAS.COM. All rights reserved.
