In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration has officially terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Yemeni nationals residing in the United States. The announcement was made by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Friday, February 12, 2026, during a press conference in San Diego, California. This decision marks the latest in a series of immigration-related actions by the administration, which has consistently argued that such protections are detrimental to U.S. national interests.
Rationale Behind the Termination
Secretary Noem stated that the decision to end TPS for Yemenis was based on a thorough review of conditions in Yemen and consultations with relevant U.S. government agencies. She emphasized that the protections, which provide deportation relief and work permits, were deemed to run counter to the country's "national interest." This aligns with the administration's broader efforts to curtail enrollment in the TPS program, citing concerns over its alignment with U.S. priorities.
Impact on Yemeni Nationals
According to data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, approximately 1,380 Yemeni nationals were covered by TPS as of March 31, 2025. The status, last extended in 2024, was scheduled to expire on March 3 of this year. TPS is designed to offer temporary sanctuary to individuals already in the U.S. when their home countries face extraordinary circumstances such as natural disasters, armed conflicts, or other crises. With this termination, these Yemeni nationals will lose their legal protections, potentially facing deportation and the loss of work authorization.
Broader Context of TPS Under Trump
The Trump administration has actively sought to dismantle most TPS enrollments, arguing that the program conflicts with U.S. interests. This move for Yemeni nationals follows similar actions targeting other countries, reflecting a consistent policy stance. Critics argue that ending TPS could exacerbate humanitarian issues, while supporters maintain it is necessary for national security and economic reasons.
The announcement has sparked debates over immigration policy and the balance between humanitarian aid and national interests. As the situation unfolds, affected Yemeni nationals and advocacy groups are likely to challenge the decision, highlighting the ongoing tensions in U.S. immigration enforcement.
