Immigration

DHS Terminates Temporary Protected Status for Yemen, Setting 60-Day Departure Period

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Yemen, marking a significant policy shift that could impact thousands of Yemeni nationals living in the United States.

Why Yemen’s TPS Is Being Terminated

Yemen was first designated for Temporary Protected Status on September 3, 2015, due to ongoing armed conflict in the country. U.S. authorities at the time determined that returning Yemeni nationals would pose serious threats to their personal safety.

Following the original designation, TPS for Yemen was extended or redesignated multiple times in subsequent years as conditions in the country remained unstable.

However, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that after reviewing country conditions and consulting with U.S. government agencies, Yemen no longer meets the legal requirements for TPS designation.

The Secretary emphasized that TPS was intended to be a temporary form of humanitarian relief and that the administration aims to restore the program to its original statutory purpose.

What This Means for Yemeni TPS Holders

Yemeni nationals currently protected under TPS who do not have another lawful immigration status will have 60 days to voluntarily depart the United States once the termination becomes effective.

DHS is encouraging affected individuals to use the CBP Home app to report their departure. According to the agency, the app provides:

• A secure self-departure process

• A complimentary plane ticket

• A $2,600 exit bonus

• Potential future opportunities to apply for legal immigration

After the termination takes effect, DHS may initiate enforcement actions against individuals who remain in the country without lawful status. Officials also warned that formal removal proceedings could result in long-term or permanent re-entry bans.

Broader Immigration Implications

The decision is part of a broader federal review of Temporary Protected Status designations across multiple countries. The administration has indicated it is reassessing whether each designation continues to meet statutory requirements under U.S. immigration law.

The termination of TPS for Yemen could affect thousands of families, workers, and communities across the United States, raising concerns among immigration advocates and humanitarian organizations about the ongoing conditions in Yemen.