Temporary Protected Status – Ethiopia

• Until a higher court decides otherwise, TPS and related work authorization for Ethiopian TPS holders has been extended and remains valid, per a federal court order.
• A TPS holder who has applied for other immigration relief, for example asylum, may be authorized to work based on another pending application, and may provide proof of other forms of employment authorization to employers.

• If your employer asks, you can also show them this USCIS page: Temporary Protected Status Designated Country: Ethiopia which reflects the validity of Ethiopian TPS work authorization.
• If your employer asks, and you have work authorization pursuant to another form of immigration relief, such as a pending asylum claim, you can show them your work permit pursuant to other immigration relief.
• If you are represented by a union, contact your Union Representative.

• If you are represented by a union, Contact your Union Representative. Your union can bargain with your employer for an unpaid leave of absence, severance pay, or other separation benefits.
• Contact a trusted immigration attorney immediately. Beware of “notarios” or scammers. Find a reputable legal service provider near you.

On January 22, 2026, African Communities Together and three Ethiopian nationals filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s termination of Ethiopian TPS. On January 30, 2026, a federal district judge in Massachusetts blocked the termination of TPS for Ethiopia as the court case continues. This case is African Communities Together et al. v. Noem et al., No. 26-cv-10278-BEM (D. Mass.). As such, Ethiopian TPS holders continue to enjoy protection from deportation and related work authorization until a higher court decides otherwise.

Additional details will be known in the coming weeks. Asylum applications may still be filed. Please stay tuned for further developments and updates to this website.