DHS Ends TPS for Somalia and Yemen: What Immigrants Need to Know

DHS Ends TPS for Somalia and Yemen: What This Means for You

Big changes just hit the immigration world. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced they're terminating TPS for two countries: Somalia and Yemen.

This isn't just paperwork talk. It means real families who've built lives here will need to make hard choices soon.

Let's break down what's happening, who it affects, and what you should do right now.

What Is TPS and Why Did DHS End It for Somalia and Yemen?

TPS stands for Temporary Protected Status. It's a program that lets people from certain countries stay in the United States when their home country is too dangerous to return to (because of war, natural disasters, or other emergencies).

People with TPS can work legally and won't get sent back to their home country while the protection lasts.

But here's the thing about TPS: it's temporary. The government reviews each country's situation every 12 to 18 months and decides whether to keep TPS going or end it.

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem just announced that DHS is ending TPS for Somalia. The agency also terminated TPS designation for Yemen according to recent updates.

The government looked at conditions in both countries and decided they've improved enough that people can safely return. Many immigration advocates disagree with this assessment, but the decision stands.

Who Does This TPS Termination Affect?

This change hits thousands of people. If you're from Somalia or Yemen and currently have TPS, this affects you directly.

You might have been living in the United States for years. Maybe you have a job, kids in school, a apartment or house you've been renting. Your whole life might be here.

But once TPS ends for your country, your legal permission to stay in America ends too (unless you have another visa or green card application pending).

Here's who needs to pay attention:

• Anyone from Somalia with current TPS status
• Anyone from Yemen with current TPS status
• Family members who depend on a TPS holder
• Employers who have TPS workers from these countries

When Does Your TPS Protection Actually End?

The government doesn't just pull protection overnight. There's usually a wind-down period that gives people time to prepare.

For past TPS terminations, the government has given 12 to 18 months before the protection fully ends. But you need to check the official USCIS alerts page for the exact date that applies to Somalia and Yemen.

During this wind-down time, you can still work legally. Your work permit (EAD card) stays valid until its expiration date or until the TPS termination date, whichever comes first.

After that date? You'll be in the United States without legal status if you don't have another visa or application approved.

What Happens to Other TPS Countries?

Somalia and Yemen aren't the only changes happening. DHS also recently ended something called Family Reunification Parole (FRP) programs for people from Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, and El Salvador.

That's a different program from TPS, but it shows the current administration is making big changes to several immigration programs at once.

If you have TPS from a different country (like Venezuela, Haiti, Ukraine, or others), your status hasn't changed yet. But you should stay informed because the government reviews every TPS designation regularly.

Check the USCIS policy updates page every few weeks to see if there's news about your country.

What Should You Do Now If You Have TPS from Somalia or Yemen?

Don't panic, but don't wait either. Here are the practical steps you need to take right now:

1. Talk to an Immigration Lawyer Immediately

This is the most important step. An immigration lawyer can look at your specific situation and tell you if you have other options to stay in the United States legally.

Maybe you qualify for asylum, a work visa, a family-based green card, or something else. You won't know unless you ask.

Many lawyers offer free or low-cost consultations. Organizations like the American Immigration Council can help you find legal help in your area.

2. Gather All Your Immigration Documents

Put together a folder (paper or digital) with all your immigration papers:

• Your TPS approval notices
• Work permits (EAD cards)
• Travel documents
• Any other visa applications you've filed
• Proof of how long you've lived in the United States

A lawyer will need these to help you.

3. Look Into Other Legal Status Options

You might qualify for something else. Common options include:

• Asylum: If you fear going back to your country because of persecution, you might qualify for asylum. But you need to apply within one year of arriving in the United States (there are some exceptions).
• Green card through family: If you have a U.S. citizen spouse, parent, or child over 21, they might be able to sponsor you for a green card.
• Work visa: If you have special skills or an employer who wants to sponsor you, you might qualify for an H-1B or other work visa.
• Other forms of relief: There are less common options like U visas (for crime victims) or VAWA (for abuse victims) that some people qualify for.

4. Keep Working and Save Money

While your work permit is still valid, keep your job and save as much money as you can. You might need money for:

• Lawyer fees
• Application fees for another visa
• Moving expenses if you have to leave
• Supporting your family during the transition

5. Make a Plan B

We all hope you'll find a way to stay. But you need to prepare for the possibility that you might have to leave the United States.

Start thinking about what you'd do if you had to go back to Somalia or Yemen, or maybe move to a third country. It's not easy to think about, but having a backup plan reduces stress.

Can You Still Apply for TPS from Other Countries?

Yes. The Somalia and Yemen terminations don't affect other TPS designations.

If you're from a country that still has TPS (and you meet all the requirements), you can still apply. Countries with active TPS right now include Venezuela, Haiti, Ukraine, Afghanistan, and several others.

But remember: TPS is always temporary. The government can end it for any country at any time after reviewing conditions.

What About Marriage Fraud and MS-13 Investigations?

In other immigration news, USCIS announced they're involved in investigations about marriage fraud conspiracies and MS-13 gang activity.

These are separate issues from TPS, but they show that immigration enforcement is getting stricter across the board.

If you're applying for any immigration benefit, make sure everything in your application is 100% truthful. Fraud can get you deported and banned from the United States for life.

Where to Find Official Updates

Don't rely on rumors or social media for immigration news. Get your information from official sources:

• USCIS Newsroom: www.uscis.gov/newsroom
• USCIS Alerts: www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts
• American Immigration Lawyers Association: www.aila.org/recent-postings

Check these sites at least once a week for new updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my TPS if I'm from Somalia or Yemen?

No. Once DHS terminates TPS for a country, you can't renew it anymore. Your current TPS status will continue until the official termination date, but after that it ends. You need to find another legal status if you want to stay in the United States.

What happens if I don't leave when my TPS ends?

If you stay in the United States after your TPS ends and you don't have another legal status, you'll be here unlawfully. That means immigration enforcement can arrest you and start deportation proceedings. Being unlawfully present can also make it very hard to get legal status in the future, even if you marry a U.S. citizen later.

Can my kids stay in the U.S. if they were born here?

If your children were born in the United States, they're U.S. citizens. They have the right to stay. But if you have to leave and they're young, you'll face a heartbreaking choice about whether to take them with you or leave them with family here. When your U.S. citizen child turns 21, they can petition for you to get a green card, but that's many years away for young kids.

Will TPS end for other countries too?

We don't know yet. The government reviews each country's TPS designation separately based on conditions in that country. Some TPS designations might continue, others might end. You need to stay informed about your specific country by checking USCIS announcements regularly.

How much does an immigration lawyer cost?

Immigration lawyer fees vary a lot depending on where you live and how complicated your case is. A simple consultation might be free to $300. Applying for asylum or a green card might cost $2,000 to $7,000 or more in lawyer fees, plus government filing fees. Many lawyers offer payment plans, and some nonprofit organizations provide free legal help to low-income immigrants.