By notice published in the Federal Register on Jan. 4, 2017, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it will extend the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for citizens of the Republic of Yemen for another 18 months (to September 2018). This extension allows qualified citizens of the Republic of Yemen to continue to stay in the United States, obtain employment authorization, and defer deportation for this additional period. The decision by DHS was based on the determination that the continuing armed conflict and the extraordinary and temporary conditions in Yemen presents its citizens from returning in safety. DHS initially placed Yemen on the protected list in 2015 as a response to the civil war that caused a major humanitarian crisis.

Citizens of Yemen who meet certain requirements must apply with U.S. Citizenships and Immigration Services to obtain the TPS. Each applicant must undergo security checks before they are granted TPS.