The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Yemen, affecting roughly 1,300 Yemeni nationals residing in the United States. The decision takes effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, requiring beneficiaries with no other lawful basis to depart the country.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized that Yemen no longer meets the legal requirements for TPS, asserting that allowing beneficiaries to remain temporarily “is contrary to our national interest.” She explained that TPS was designed to be temporary and noted the administration’s intent to restore the program to its original purpose while prioritizing national security.
Yemen was initially designated for TPS in September 2015 due to ongoing armed conflict that posed serious risks to civilians returning home. The designation has been extended or redesignated multiple times, most recently in 2024. During this period, Yemeni nationals in the U.S. were shielded from deportation under the program.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) stated that affected individuals have 60 days to voluntarily leave the country and encouraged the use of the CBP Home app for reporting departures. The app provides a complimentary plane ticket, a $2,600 exit bonus, and potential opportunities for future legal immigration. Officials noted that failure to depart could result in arrest and permanent ineligibility to return to the United States.
The move comes amid ongoing concerns about conditions in Yemen. The State Department maintains a Level 4 – Do Not Travel advisory, citing persistent violence, civil unrest, and terrorism risks.
As the 60-day period progresses, Yemeni nationals must navigate the complexities of leaving the country or seeking alternative legal avenues to remain in the United States.
