TPS Reform Bill Mandates Departure for 5 Nationalities, Ending Work Permits in 180 Days

The “Temporary Protected Status Reform Act of 2026” is a straight-up, no-nonsense piece of legislation designed to pull the plug on long-running Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations for five specific countries: Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon. The bill’s core purpose, clearly stated in its findings, is to enforce the “temporary” nature of TPS, arguing that decades-long extensions defeat the original intent of humanitarian relief. This isn’t a gradual phase-out; it’s a hard stop with a 180-day countdown.

The 180-Day Deadline: What Happens Next

This bill sets a very specific clock. Section 3 immediately terminates TPS for all nationals of the five listed countries. This termination becomes effective 180 days after the bill is enacted. For the thousands of people currently holding TPS from these nations, this means their lawful presence in the U.S. and their ability to work legally ends on that date. Section 4 is the hammer: individuals must depart the U.S. by the termination date unless they have secured a different, independent status, like lawful permanent residency (a Green Card), asylum, or a specific nonimmigrant visa. If they stay past the 180-day deadline without one of those statuses, they lose their lawful presence and become immediately subject to removal (deportation).

Work Authorization: The Economic Cliff

One of the most immediate and painful impacts for TPS holders is the loss of their employment authorization. Section 4 specifies that any work permit (EAD) issued based on TPS expires on the termination date and cannot be extended. Think about the construction worker, the nurse’s aide, or the small business owner who has been building a life here, paying taxes, and relying on that work authorization for years, sometimes decades. When that 180-day clock runs out, their ability to earn a living legally vanishes overnight. This creates massive economic instability, not just for the affected families, but also for the employers who rely on their labor.

Closing the Door: Permanent Ban on Redesignation

Beyond the immediate termination, Section 3 includes a significant, forward-looking restriction. It prohibits the Secretary of Homeland Security from ever designating or redesignating these five specific countries for TPS again. The only way TPS could be restored for Somalia, Syria, or the others is if Congress passes a brand-new law specifically authorizing it. This provision effectively removes executive branch flexibility to respond to future crises—like a new war, famine, or massive earthquake—in these specific nations. It’s a legislative move to permanently constrain the humanitarian relief function for these five places, regardless of future events.

The Bottom Line for Affected Families

For families currently relying on TPS from these five countries, the bill creates an urgent, high-stakes race against time. They have 180 days to find a way to switch their legal status—a process that is often complex, expensive, and takes years, not months. The bill is clear: the government is not required to grant any discretionary relief from removal (Section 5). This legislation is a clear signal that Congress is stepping in to mandate the end of these long-term humanitarian protections, forcing a rapid reckoning for thousands of residents and their employers across the country.