HR6946-119

What This Bill Does

The Temporary Protected Status Reform Act of 2026 narrows humanitarian immigration protection for five countries. It amends section 244 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to terminate TPS designations for Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon and prevents the Secretary of Homeland Security from designating or redesignating those countries after enactment unless Congress passes a later statute expressly authorizing it. Termination takes effect 180 days after enactment. Affected TPS holders must depart by that date, cease to be lawfully present afterward, and lose TPS-based employment authorization on the termination date unless they already have lawful permanent residence, nonimmigrant status, asylum, or another independent lawful status. DHS may not remove someone solely because of TPS termination during the 180-day wind-down, but individuals remaining without lawful status after the date become removable. A final rule of construction says the Act does not require discretionary relief, limit DHS denial authority, or create a right to remain.

Who Benefits and How

Members of Congress who want more direct control over TPS benefit because redesignating the five countries would require a later statute. DHS enforcement offices benefit from a clear termination date, post-termination removal authority, and preserved discretion over immigration benefits. Employers seeking stricter work-authorization limits benefit because TPS-based employment documents for the affected group cannot be extended after termination.

Who Bears the Burden and How

TPS holders from Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon bear the heaviest burden because they must secure another lawful status or leave the United States within 180 days. Families and employers connected to affected TPS workers face disruption when work authorization expires. USCIS, ICE, and DHS policy staff must administer notices, status checks, employment-document expiration, and removal consequences while respecting the 180-day wind-down limit.

Key Provisions

• Amends INA section 244 to terminate TPS designations for Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon.
• Prohibits DHS from redesignating those countries without a later statute expressly authorizing it.
• Requires affected TPS holders without another lawful status to depart by the termination date.
• Blocks TPS-based lawful presence and employment authorization after the 180-day wind-down.
• Provides that DHS retains discretion to deny immigration benefits or removal relief and that no right to remain is created.