US Ends Temporary Protected Status for Ethiopian Nationals; Over 5,000 Affected

WASHINGTON D.C. — The United States government has announced the termination of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Ethiopian nationals, a decision that will impact thousands of Ethiopian nationals currently residing in the U.S. under the program.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) disclosed that 5,001 Ethiopians had been granted protection under the designation, while an additional 263 applicants were pending approval at the time of the decision.

Timeline of the Designation

The United States originally designated Ethiopia for TPS on December 12, 2022, in response to the conflict in Northern Ethiopia. The designation was subsequently extended in April 2024. However, following a recent review of country conditions, officials have determined that the designation is no longer warranted.

Basis for the Decision

Prior to the announcement, U.S. officials conducted a comprehensive inter-agency assessment of the current situation in Ethiopia. The review evaluated whether the ongoing armed conflict continues to pose a serious threat to the personal safety of returning nationals and whether extraordinary and temporary conditions prevent them from returning safely.

The assessment concluded that the situation in Ethiopia no longer meets the statutory requirements for TPS. Key findings cited in the decision include:

• Conflict Resolution: The report highlights the cessation of the war in Tigray following the peace agreement and notes that the Oromia region has signed peace agreements with factions of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), followed by the integration of combatants.

• Amhara Region: regarding the Amhara region, the U.S. noted that while reports indicate civilians continue to face attacks, the overall intensity of the conflict between the government and Fano forces has reduced compared to previous periods.

• National Stability: The U.S. pointed to Ethiopia’s approval of a historic $33.7 billion budget focused on infrastructure and human development as evidence that the country is stabilizing.

• Humanitarian Improvements: The report cited a reduction in internal displacement and improvements in food and social services. As an indicator of this progress, the U.S. noted the transfer of its food aid programs in Northern Ethiopia to a joint committee.

Visa Overstay Concerns For Ethiopian Nationals

In its justification, the U.S. also raised concerns regarding national security and immigration compliance. The assessment revealed significantly high rates of visa overstays among Ethiopian nationals in 2024:

• Visitor Visas (B-1/B-2): The overstay rate was recorded at 8.27%, which is 250% higher than the average.

• Student and Exchange Visas (F, M, and J): The overstay rate stood at 13.95%, reflecting a figure 330% higher than the average.

The U.S. government viewed these figures as a national security concern.

Conversely, the report noted a positive trend in voluntary returns, stating that between 2022 and 2025, 2,147 Ethiopian nationals applied for travel documents to return to Ethiopia.