In a significant humanitarian maneuver, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has taken a decisive step to protect Ethiopian nationals residing in the United States.
According to Breitbart, the DHS has re-designated and extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for over 15,000 Ethiopians, safeguarding them from deportation and enabling their participation in the workforce.
DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas recently announced a crucial decision in support of Ethiopian nationals living in the U.S. This extension of TPS comes as a beacon of hope for those fearing the unsafe and unstable conditions in their homeland. It essentially grants these individuals a reprieve, allowing them to work and live without the constant dread of deportation.
The need arises from the dreadful conditions prevailing in Ethiopia, rendering the country unsafe for its nationals to return. The extension provides an opportunity for approximately 2,300 Ethiopians to retain their TPS status and extend it through December 2025. Furthermore, an additional 12,800 Ethiopians now find themselves newly eligible for these protections, provided they were present in the U.S. as of April 11 or earlier.
Moreover, the DHS's announcement wasn't limited to working adults. A significant aspect of this protection extends to Ethiopian students in the U.S. on F-1 visas. They are offered "Special Student Relief," which includes authorization for employment, the ability to work increased hours during school sessions, and the flexibility to reduce their course load while maintaining their F-1 status. This measure underscores the U.S. government's commitment to holistic support for Ethiopians in need.
Temporary Protected Status is not a new concept. It was established under the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1990. The TPS is designed to act as a safety net for individuals from countries experiencing severe conditions like war, famine, or natural disasters, preventing federal immigration officials from deporting these individuals back to situations where their safety could be compromised.
This announcement reflects the broader use of TPS under the Biden administration, which has notably increased the number of foreign nationals living in the U.S. under this designation, nearing 1.2 million people. It signifies a continuation of a policy that transcends administrations, with a clear focus on humanitarian concerns.
In his statement about the extension, DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas highlighted the humanitarian essence of TPS.
"Temporary Protected Status provides individuals already present in the United States with protection from removal when conditions in their home country prevent their safe return. That is the situation facing Ethiopians who arrived here on or before April 11 of this year. We are granting them protection through this temporary form of humanitarian relief that the law provides."
The use of TPS as a mechanism for providing temporary asylum reflects a compassionate stance towards individuals from strife-torn regions of the world. Since its inception, various administrations have utilized TPS to offer temporary relief to nationals from several countries, demonstrating a continuous commitment to humanitarian principles.
The re-designation and extension of TPS for Ethiopian nationals underscore the United States' steadfast commitment to upholding human rights and providing sanctuary to those in need. This move by the DHS, led by Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, not only offers a lifeline to over 15,000 Ethiopians but also aligns with the broader principles of compassion and support that define the nation's approach to international humanitarian crises.
The extension of Temporary Protected Status for Ethiopian nationals in the United States marks a significant gesture of support amid ongoing unsafe conditions in Ethiopia. By enabling these individuals to work and live without the threat of deportation and offering specialized support to students, the U.S. continues to uphold its humanitarian values.
This move, encompassing both employment and educational support, further highlights the comprehensive nature of the protection being offered, reflecting a deep understanding of the multifaceted needs of individuals caught in crises.
