U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on February 13, 2026, that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Yemen in the coming days. For thousands of Yemeni nationals currently protected under TPS, this announcement creates urgent questions about work authorization, lawful status, and next steps.
Below is what we know, how the timeline works, and how this decision fits into the broader pattern of TPS terminations under the current administration.
When Does TPS for Yemen End?
According to USCIS, TPS for Yemen will terminate 60 days after the termination notice is published in the Federal Register. This detail is critical. The 60-day countdown does not begin on the date of the press release. It begins on the date the official termination notice appears in the Federal Register. Once that publication occurs, TPS protections and related benefits will end 60 days later unless court action intervenes. As of February 23, 2026, the government has not yet published the termination notice. We anticipate it will be published in the coming weeks, and so termination may be effective as soon as mid-April 2026.
What Happens to Work Authorization?
TPS-based work authorization is tied directly to the TPS designation period and any automatic extensions announced in Federal Register notices.
If Yemen TPS is terminated:
- TPS-based EADs will no longer be valid after the effective termination date
- Employers may need updated documentation for I-9 compliance
Does TPS Termination Mean You Must Leave the U.S.?
Not necessarily. TPS is a temporary protection from removal and a basis for work authorization. If TPS ends, your next steps depend on your underlying immigration history and whether you have another lawful pathway.
Some individuals with TPS may also have:
- A pending or approved family-based petition (I-130) that could allow them to apply for adjustment of status or consular process with an immigrant visa
- An employment-based option
- A pending asylum case
- Humanitarian relief possibilities (such as VAWA, U visa, or T visa)
- Other forms of lawful presence (e.g. student visa)
Every case is unique, and so it is critical to conduct a thorough screening now to identify potential options and develop strategy rather than waiting until the 60-day window is nearly over.
The Bigger Picture: TPS Terminations Since 2025
The termination of Yemen’s TPS designation is part of a broader policy shift.
Since President Trump took office in January 2025, DHS has moved to terminate TPS designations for multiple countries, including: Afghanistan, Burma, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, Somalia, South Sudan, and Venezuela.
Several of these terminations have faced litigation, resulting in temporary delays or shifting timelines. However, the overall pattern reflects a clear policy direction: the administration is rolling back TPS designations that had been extended in prior years. Yemen is now part of that broader trend. For TPS holders from any country, this signals that relying solely on TPS without exploring long-term options carries increasing risk.
Next Steps
If you or a family member currently has TPS, now is the time to evaluate your options carefully and proactively. Our office can assist with a thorough review of your case and work to identify potential options and strategy. Each case is fact-specific, and early planning makes a meaningful difference.
We are here to help! Reach out if you have questions!
