On February 13, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revealed that the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Yemen is coming to an end. Following a formal review, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem concluded that the country no longer fulfills the statutory requirements necessary to maintain its protected status.
The termination will officially take effect 60 days after the notice is published in the Federal Register.
Understanding the Change
Yemen was originally granted TPS on September 3, 2015, due to widespread armed conflict that made returning home life-threatening for its citizens. Over the last decade, DHS issued multiple extensions and redesignations, specifically in 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024.
Secretary Noem emphasized that this shift is part of a broader effort to realign the program with its founding principles:
“TPS was designed to be temporary, and this administration is returning TPS to its original temporary intent. We are prioritizing our national security interests and putting America first.”
Timeline and Requirements for Beneficiaries
Current beneficiaries now have a 60-day window to finalize their affairs. During this transition, individuals must:
- Arrange for a voluntary departure from the United States.
- Seek an alternative legal immigration status if they wish to remain.
DHS has stated that once the 60-day period expires, Yemeni nationals without valid legal status may be subject to arrest and deportation. The department further cautioned that failing to depart voluntarily could result in a permanent bar from re-entering the country.
Departure Assistance and “Project Homecoming”
To assist with the transition, the government has introduced an initiative known as Project Homecoming. This program provides resources for individuals who choose to depart the United States voluntarily.
Eligible individuals can facilitate their departure through the CBP Home mobile app, which offers the following support:
- Travel Arrangements: Provision of a complimentary one-way airline ticket.
- Financial Assistance: A $2,600 exit bonus provided upon confirmation of departure.
- Future Considerations: Potential eligibility for future legal immigration pathways, as the voluntary departure is recorded as an orderly exit.
The app is intended to serve as a streamlined tool for self-reporting, allowing users to coordinate their return without the need for custodial intervention or formal enforcement proceedings.
We will provide further details as more information emerges. Subscribe to our blog today for timely insights, updates, and practical tips.
