Per USCIS, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas has announced the extension and redesignation of Yemen for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from September 4, 2024, to March 3, 2026, due to the ongoing conflict and unstable conditions preventing safe return for individuals.
Following consultations with interagency partners, Secretary Mayorkas concluded that the extension and redesignation are necessary given Yemen’s persistent armed conflict and severe humanitarian issues. This decision aligns with the national interest of the United States.
“Yemen’s prolonged conflict has drastically limited access to essentials like water, food, and medical care, nearly collapsing the economy and making it unsafe for Yemeni nationals abroad to return,” said Mayorkas. “DHS’s actions today will permit certain Yemenis in the U.S. to stay and work here until the situation improves.”
The redesignation allows around 1,700 Yemeni nationals (and stateless individuals who last resided in Yemen) continuously residing in the U.S. since July 2, 2024, to apply for TPS. Approximately 2,300 current TPS beneficiaries can extend their status through March 3, 2026, provided they meet eligibility requirements. This does not apply to individuals who were not in the U.S. by July 2, 2024.
A Federal Register notice provides details on TPS registration, eligibility, re-registration, and procedures for renewing Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). It also includes a Special Student Relief notice for F-1 nonimmigrant students from Yemen, allowing them to request employment authorization, work more hours, and reduce their course load while maintaining F-1 status during the TPS period.
Current TPS holders must re-register between July 10, 2024, and September 9, 2024, to extend their status and employment authorization. DHS will automatically extend the validity of previously issued EADs through September 3, 2025, for those who do not receive new EADs before their current ones expire.
USCIS will continue processing pending applications filed under previous TPS designations for Yemen. Individuals with pending Form I-821 or Form I-765 applications as of July 10, 2024, do not need to reapply. Approved applications will grant TPS through March 3, 2026, with corresponding EADs.
Newly eligible individuals under Yemen’s redesignation can file initial Form I-821 applications from July 10, 2024, through March 3, 2026, and may apply for TPS-related EADs and travel authorization. EAD requests can be submitted with Form I-821 or separately later.
Since the Securing the Border Presidential Proclamation and Interim Final Rule in early June, over 24,000 noncitizens have been removed or returned to more than 20 countries. DHS say they will continue enforcing U.S. laws and will return noncitizens without a legal basis to remain in the country.
