The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Friday that the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for four African countries has taken effect, removing legal protection for eligible nationals to remain in the United States and obtain work authorization. The affected countries are Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, and Eritrea, according to official DHS statements.
TPS is a humanitarian program that allows nationals from designated countries facing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions to live and work in the U.S. temporarily. The Trump administration had moved to end TPS designations for several countries, and after a series of legal challenges, the terminations for these four African nations have now been implemented.
As of August 16, 2026, nationals from these countries who were previously covered by TPS may face deportation proceedings if they do not have another legal immigration status. Advocacy groups have expressed concern about the impact on thousands of individuals and families, many of whom have lived in the U.S. for years and have U.S.-born children.
The decision is part of a broader rollback of humanitarian protections under the Trump administration. Earlier, TPS was also terminated for countries like Haiti, El Salvador, and Honduras, though those decisions have faced ongoing litigation. The DHS has stated that affected individuals should seek legal counsel to explore other options for remaining in the country.
