Ethiopia Loses Immigration Safe Haven Status in Bureaucratic Shuffle
Published Date: 12/15/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. government is ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for people from Ethiopia starting February 13, 2026, because conditions there have improved. This means Ethiopian nationals with TPS will need to find other ways to stay in the U.S. or prepare to leave. The TPS designation officially expires on December 12, 2025, so affected individuals should act fast to understand their options.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Ethiopia TPS Ends February 13, 2026
If you are an Ethiopian national (or a stateless person who last lived in Ethiopia) with Temporary Protected Status (TPS), your TPS ends at 11:59 p.m. local time on February 13, 2026. After that date you will no longer have TPS and must seek other lawful ways to remain in the U.S. or prepare to depart.
60-Day Work Authorization Transition
USCIS says Ethiopian TPS beneficiaries remain authorized to work during the 60-day transition period and the termination is effective 60 days after this Federal Register notice. The termination is effective February 13, 2026, so beneficiaries may continue to work through that date.
Certain EADs Extended Through Feb 13, 2026
USCIS automatically extends the validity of certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) issued under Ethiopia's TPS through February 13, 2026. The notice specifically identifies EADs with Category A-12 or C-19 and “Card Expires” dates of June 12, 2024 and December 12, 2025 as proof of employment authorization through February 13, 2026.
Return to Prior or Other Valid Status After Termination
When TPS for Ethiopia ends, beneficiaries revert to the same immigration status they had before receiving TPS, if that earlier status still exists and is valid on the termination date. They may also retain any other lawful status or category they obtained while registered for TPS, provided it remains valid on the date TPS ends.
No Judicial Review of Secretary's TPS Decision
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act cited in the notice, there is no judicial review of the Secretary of Homeland Security's determination to designate, extend, or terminate a country's TPS status. That statutory rule applies to the termination decision for Ethiopia.
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