The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced it is ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Yemeni citizens residing in the United States. This decision, set to take effect 60 days after its publication in the Federal Register, will impact approximately 1,400 individuals.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated the decision comes after a careful review of the conditions in Yemen. The determination was made that the situation in Yemen no longer justifies the continuation of TPS. This move aligns with the administration’s focus on national security and a return to the original, temporary intent of the TPS program.
TPS is granted to foreign citizens who are in the United States, usually after a natural disaster or an ongoing armed conflict in their home country. It provides temporary protection from deportation and allows them to work legally in the U.S.
Yemen was initially granted TPS on September 3, 2015, due to the ongoing armed conflict, which posed significant safety risks to those returning. The DHS has issued several extensions since then, allowing Yemeni nationals to remain in the U.S. under protected status.
Secretary Noem emphasized the importance of prioritizing American interests and adhering to the original intent of the TPS program. “Allowing TPS Yemen beneficiaries to remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to our national interest,” she stated. “TPS was designed to be temporary, and this administration is returning TPS to its original temporary intent. We are prioritizing our national security interests and putting America first.”
The decision to terminate TPS for Yemen reflects a broader effort to reassess and, in some cases, discontinue temporary protected status for various countries. The administration has argued that TPS should not be viewed as a pathway to permanent residency and that the program should be reserved for truly temporary situations.
During the 60-day transition period, Yemeni nationals with TPS will continue to have valid work authorizations. After that period, those without another legal immigration status will be expected to leave the United States voluntarily. The DHS is advising affected individuals to report their departure through the CBP One app. Those who arrange their departure within this 60-day window may be eligible for a complimentary plane ticket, a $2,600 exit bonus, and the preservation of potential pathways for future legal immigration.
The DHS has indicated that after the termination date, any Yemeni national without legal status could be subject to arrest and deportation. The department has cautioned that if an individual forces DHS to arrest and remove them, they may face restrictions on future attempts to return to the United States.
This decision has sparked debate, with some arguing that it is a necessary step to enforce immigration laws and prioritize national security. Others express concern for the well-being of Yemeni nationals who have established lives and families in the U.S. and who may face dangerous conditions if forced to return to their home country.
The debate over TPS highlights the complexities of immigration policy and the need to balance humanitarian concerns with the rule of law. As the situation in Yemen continues to evolve, the future of Yemeni nationals in the United States remains uncertain, with many now facing difficult decisions about their future. The administration maintains that its focus remains on upholding the law and ensuring the security and interests of the American people.
