TPS Ending for Somalia and Ethiopia: What Happens Next
What Just Happened with TPS?
On January 14, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security made a big announcement. Secretary Kristi Noem said the US is ending Temporary Protected Status for two countries: Somalia and Ethiopia.
This decision affects thousands of people. If you have TPS from Somalia or Ethiopia, you can't renew it anymore. The government says conditions in these countries got better, so people don't need protection in the US anymore.
But here's what's important: you still have time before your status ends. Somalia TPS doesn't expire until March 17, 2026. Ethiopia TPS doesn't expire until February 13, 2026. That gives you about a year to figure out your next steps.
When Does My Work Permit Stop Working?
Your Employment Authorization Document (this is your work permit card, also called EAD or Form I-766) will stop working on specific dates. The date depends on which country your TPS came from.
For Somalia TPS holders: Your work permit expires on March 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. This includes cards that say they expire on March 17, 2026, September 17, 2024, or March 17, 2023. All these cards are now extended until March 17, 2026.
For Ethiopia TPS holders: Your work permit expires on February 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. This includes cards showing expiration dates of December 12, 2025, or June 12, 2024. They're all good until February 13, 2026.
After these dates, you cannot legally work in the United States with these cards. Your employer must stop letting you work unless you get a different work permit from another immigration status.
You can keep working until the expiration date. USCIS says employers don't need any extra documents from you to prove your work permit is still valid until these dates.
Why Did DHS End TPS for These Countries?
The government has to review TPS designations regularly. They look at what's happening in each country. Secretary Noem and her team looked at Somalia and Ethiopia and decided things changed enough.
The official announcement says "conditions in Somalia no longer support its designation for Temporary Protected Status." For Ethiopia, the government said the country "no longer meets the statutory basis for TPS."
The Secretary also said it's "contrary to the national interest" to let people from these countries stay temporarily in the US anymore. This is a political decision made by the current administration.
What does this mean in plain English? The government thinks it's safe enough for people to return to Somalia and Ethiopia now. They don't think you need temporary protection anymore.
Many immigrant advocates disagree with this decision. But right now, the termination is final. The official government notice makes it clear: TPS for these countries is ending.
Can I Apply for Another Immigration Status?
Yes, and you should start looking into this right now. Just because your TPS is ending doesn't mean you have no options. Many people with TPS can apply for other ways to stay in the US legally.
Here are some possibilities:
Family-based green card: If you're married to a US citizen or green card holder, you might qualify. If your parents or adult children are US citizens, you might have options too. Talk to an immigration lawyer about adjustment of status (this means applying for a green card while you're already in the US).
Asylum: Some TPS holders also have asylum applications pending. If you applied for asylum years ago and it's still waiting, that case might still be active. Check with a lawyer about your asylum case status.
Employment-based visa: If you have special skills or an employer willing to sponsor you, you might qualify for a work visa or employment-based green card. This is harder and takes longer, but it's possible.
Other relief: Depending on your situation, you might qualify for U visa (if you were a crime victim), T visa (if you were trafficked), VAWA (if you experienced domestic violence), or other types of relief.
The key thing is: don't wait until your TPS expires to explore these options. Start now. Immigration applications take time. You want to file for something else before your current status runs out.
What Happens If I Don't Find Another Status?
This is the hard truth. If you can't get another legal status before your TPS ends, you'll be in the US without permission after the expiration date.
After March 17, 2026 (for Somalia) or February 13, 2026 (for Ethiopia), if you don't have another status, immigration officials could try to deport you (this means send you back to your home country).
The government verification system (called SAVE) will show you have "No Status" after these dates if your TPS ended and you have nothing else.
This affects more than just work. Without legal status, you can't get a driver's license in most states. You can't travel outside the US and come back. You could be arrested by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and put in removal proceedings.
Some people might consider leaving the US voluntarily before the deadline. This is a personal decision. If you leave before you're deported, it might be easier to get a visa to come back in the future. But talk to a lawyer first.
What Should You Do Now?
Don't panic, but don't wait either. You have about a year, which sounds like a lot of time. But immigration cases move slowly. Here's what to do right away:
1. Talk to an immigration lawyer immediately. Not next month. This week. Many non-profit organizations offer free or low-cost legal help. Find one through the Immigration Advocates Network website or call your local legal aid office. A lawyer can review your whole situation and tell you if you qualify for anything else.
2. Gather all your immigration documents. Find your TPS approval notices, work permits, passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if married), children's birth certificates, and any other immigration papers you have. Put them in one safe place. You'll need them for whatever you apply for next.
3. Check if you have any pending applications. Do you have an old asylum case? A family petition someone filed for you years ago? Call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 or check your case status online at uscis.gov. You might have something pending you forgot about.
4. Start saving money. Immigration applications cost money. Most need filing fees between $500 and $2,000 or more. If you think you might apply for something, start saving now. Some applications have fee waivers (this means you can ask to pay less or nothing if you're very poor), but you need to prove you qualify.
5. Keep working legally until the deadline. Your work permit is still valid until the expiration date. Keep your job. Keep paying taxes. This shows you're following the rules, which helps if you apply for another status later.
6. Don't fall for scams. Some people will promise they can "fix" your immigration problem for money. Only work with licensed attorneys or DOJ-accredited representatives. Check credentials before paying anyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my Somalia or Ethiopia TPS one more time?
No, you cannot renew it. The government terminated these TPS designations completely. There will be no more renewal periods. Your TPS and work permit end on the final dates (March 17, 2026 for Somalia, February 13, 2026 for Ethiopia), and that's final unless the government changes its mind, which seems unlikely right now.
Will my employer fire me when they hear about this?
Your employer should not fire you yet. Your work authorization is still completely valid until the expiration date. The law says you can keep working until then. Show your employer the official USCIS notice if they have questions. If they fire you early because of this, talk to an employment lawyer because that might be illegal discrimination.
What if I applied for TPS recently and haven't gotten approved yet?
If you filed a TPS application for Somalia or Ethiopia and it's still pending, USCIS will probably deny it because they're not accepting new applications anymore. You won't get approved for TPS from these countries now. You need to look for a different type of immigration relief instead.
Can my US citizen kids help me get a green card?
Maybe, but only if they're 21 years old or older. US citizen children who are adults can petition for their parents to get green cards. If your children are still under 21, they can't help you yet. But if they're turning 21 soon, talk to a lawyer about timing. This could be your path to staying legally.
What happens to my TPS if I travel outside the US before it expires?
You need advance parole (this is a travel document) to leave and come back. If you leave without it, your TPS ends immediately and you probably can't return. Don't travel internationally right now unless you absolutely have to and you get proper permission first. Talk to a lawyer before making any travel plans.
Where to Get Help
You're not alone in this. Thousands of families are dealing with the same situation. Here are trusted places to get help:
- Immigration Advocates Network: immigrationadvocates.org/nonprofit/legaldirectory - find free or low-cost legal help near you
- Catholic Charities: many local offices have immigration programs
- Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service: lirs.org
- USCIS Contact Center: 1-800-375-5283 (for questions about your case)
- Local law school immigration clinics: many law schools offer free help
Remember: you have time, but not forever. Start taking action this week. The earlier you begin working on another immigration option, the better your chances of staying legally in the United States.