The Department of Homeland Security announced the extension and redesignation of Yemen for Temporary Protected Status for 18 months, from Sept. 4, 2024, through Mar. 3, 2026.

Key Points:

  • Existing Yemen nationals who wish to extend their TPS status through March 3, 2026, must re-register during the 60-day re-registration period that runs from July 10, 2024, through Sept. 9, 2024.
  • The TPS redesignation makes it possible for approximately 1,700 Yemeni nationals who have been continuously residing in the U.S. since July 2, 2024 to file initial applications for TPS if otherwise eligible. The approximately 2,300 current Yemeni beneficiaries can retain their TPS through March 3, 2026 if they continue to meet TPS eligibility requirements.
  • Eligible F-1 nonimmigrant students of Yemeni citizenship can request employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session and reduce their course load while continuing to maintain F-1 status through the TPS designation period.
  • More information about registering for TPS as a new or current beneficiary under Yemen’s extension and redesignation — including eligibility criteria, timelines, procedures and instructions for EAD filings — can be found in the Federal Register notice.

Additional Information: The DHS determined an 18-month extension and redesignation of Yemen for TPS was warranted because of the ongoing conflict for the past decade “pushing the country to the brink of economic collapse.” U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will continue to process pending applications filed under previous TPS designations for Yemen. Individuals with a pending Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, and Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, as of July 10, 2024, do not need to refile.

This extension and redesignation does not apply to anyone who was not already in the United States on July 2, 2024.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.

Copyright © 2024 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.