Multiple countries are losing their Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations — Haiti, Syria, Burma, South Sudan, and Ethiopia all face terminations with urgent filing deadlines. Hold TPS from one of these countries? You’re staring down decisions that could change everything about your legal status in the U.S. We can’t waste time here. You need to explore other immigration options right now, while court stays and appeals still offer some protection.
What’s Happening with TPS Terminations
DHS announced that TPS for Burma (Myanmar), Ethiopia, Haiti, and South Sudan ends in early 2026. But here’s where it gets tricky — the situation changes daily. Federal courts in Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, and D.C. have stepped in with stays, temporarily blocking terminations for Burma, Ethiopia, Haiti, Somalia, South Sudan and Syria.
Here’s where each country stands with termination dates and court protections:
- Haiti’s TPS designation and related benefits were slated to terminate on February 3, 2026. However, on February 2, 2026, a single judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued an order staying the Secretary’s TPS termination decision
- Ethiopia’s TPS designation and related benefits were slated to terminate on Feb. 13, 2026. However, on Jan. 30, 2026, a single judge in the U.S. District of Massachusetts stayed the Secretary’s TPS termination decision
- On November 5, DHS announced it would terminate TPS protections for South Sudan. The effective termination date for South Sudan is January 5, 2026. On December 30, 2025, a federal judge in Massachusetts issued an order pausing the termination
- The U.S. government had announced that TPS for Burma would end on January 26, 2026, but immigrants are fighting this through a lawsuit, and a court stopped the government from ending TPS for now
How TPS Terminations Affect You and Your Family
If you’re a TPS beneficiary from any of these countries, these terminations have immediate and far-reaching consequences. The auto-extension applies to EADs bearing original expiration dates as far back as July 22 2017 and as recent as February 3 2026, forestalling mass reverification and potential job loss for an estimated 350,000 workers nationwide for Haiti alone.
The uncertainty affects more than just legal status:
- Work Authorization: Current work authorization remains valid, for now. Employers should update Form I-9s with specific notations according to USCIS and E-Verify guidance
- Family Separation: TPS holders often have U.S. citizen children or spouses who depend on their continued presence
- Economic Impact: Years or decades of community ties, property ownership, and business relationships are at stake
- Safety Concerns: Returning to countries with ongoing conflicts or humanitarian crises poses real physical danger
The Supreme Court will hear arguments on the lawsuits regarding TPS for Haiti and Syria in April 2026, and it will likely make a decision by early July 2026. This timeline creates both opportunity and urgency for exploring permanent solutions.
What You Should Do Now: Critical Action Steps
Don’t wait for court decisions or further government action. Here are the essential steps you must take immediately:
1. Consult with an Immigration Attorney
TPS beneficiaries from Burma, Ethiopia, Haiti, and South Sudan should consult with immigration counsel to explore options for maintaining lawful status and work authorization. There are several lawsuits currently pending in federal district and circuit courts seeking to prevent the termination of the TPS programs.
2. Evaluate Asylum Options
Being granted and maintaining TPS status until a reasonable period before the filing of the asylum application is considered an extraordinary circumstance for the purposes of the one year filing deadline. In other words, having TPS status “stops the clock” on the requirement to file for asylum within one year of arriving in the United States.
You can apply for both TPS and asylum at the same time, if you are eligible for both. This dual approach provides maximum protection while your cases are pending.
3. Explore Family-Based Options
If you have an immediate relative who is a US citizen — a spouse, parent, or child over 21 — they can petition for you to become a permanent resident. Immediate relative petitions (Form I-130) have no annual cap and no waiting list.
4. Consider Employment-Based Pathways
If you have a U.S. employer willing to sponsor you, employment-based adjustment of status may be available. Three federal appellate circuits (the Sixth, Eighth, and Ninth Circuits) ruled that a person with valid TPS status could adjust status to lawful permanent residence if otherwise eligible through a family-based or employment-based petition, even if he or she entered the United States without inspection.
5. Document Everything
Gather all documentation related to your TPS status, work history, community ties, and any evidence supporting alternative immigration services applications.
Why Choose Tez Law P.C. for Your TPS Crisis
Managing attorney JJ Zhang (California Bar #326666) and the experienced team at Tez Law P.C. understand the urgency and complexity of the current TPS termination crisis. We provide comprehensive immigration services nationwide, handling cases across all 50 states.
Our approach includes:
- Immediate Case Assessment: We quickly evaluate your eligibility for asylum, family-based adjustment, and other protective options
- Strategic Filing: We prepare and file multiple applications simultaneously to maximize your protection
- Court Monitoring: We track all relevant litigation and court decisions affecting your case
- Comprehensive Support: From TPS renewals to green card applications, we handle your entire immigration journey
Unlike general practice attorneys, our firm focuses exclusively on immigration law, ensuring you receive specialized expertise during this critical time. We understand that TPS terminations in 2026 represent one of the most significant changes to humanitarian immigration programs in years. With multiple countries losing protections and court rulings continuing to evolve, TPS holders must carefully evaluate their next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still work if my TPS country is terminated but under court stay?
Yes, the court stays preserve TPS protections and work authorization for Burmese, Ethiopian, Haitian, Somalian, South Sudanese, and Syrian TPS holders while litigation continues. Your employment authorization remains valid during the court-ordered extension periods.
How does TPS termination affect my asylum filing deadline?
The termination of TPS itself may constitute changed circumstances that resets or extends the filing window. Courts have split on this question, and the law is unsettled. This complex legal issue requires immediate consultation with an experienced immigration attorney.
What happens if I don’t find alternative status before TPS ends?
When TPS ends, beneficiaries revert to their previous immigration status, potentially becoming undocumented and facing removal unless they secure another immigration status, unless they have an asylum case pending. This makes immediate action essential to avoid unlawful presence.
The TPS termination crisis affects hundreds of thousands of individuals and families who have built lives in the United States over years or decades. While court challenges continue, you cannot afford to wait for uncertain outcomes. If you decide to apply for another immigration status, it is best to apply before your TPS expires if possible.
Contact Tez Law P.C. today for a free consultation to discuss your specific situation and develop a comprehensive strategy to protect your legal status. Our experienced team is ready to guide you through this challenging time and help secure your future in the United States. Don’t let this crisis catch you unprepared – take action now while options remain available.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contact Tez Law P.C. at 626-678-8677 or [email protected] for advice specific to your situation. Results may vary.