Obama designates Yemen for Temporary Protected Status due to ongoing armed conflict

DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson designates Yemen for Temporary Protected Status for an initial 18-month period, effective September 3, 2015. The designation covers Yemeni nationals already present in the United States who cannot safely return to Yemen due to the armed conflict between the Houthi forces and the Saudi-led coalition. The Federal Register notice states that the "ongoing armed conflict" constitutes extraordinary conditions making return dangerous. Approximately 1,200 Yemeni nationals receive initial TPS protection. DHS makes clear the designation is contingent on continued country conditions and requires periodic review before any extension or termination — the exact review process that DHS Secretary Noem will bypass when terminating Yemen's TPS in 2026.