Yemeni Americans feel ‘betrayed’ as Trump revokes immigration protections

Yemeni Americans, particularly in Michigan, are expressing feelings of betrayal after President Trump revoked Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Yemenis in the US. The Department of Homeland Security's decision ends deportation protection for eligible Yemenis who cannot safely return to their war-torn country. Some Yemeni American leaders, who previously supported Trump in the 2024 election due to dissatisfaction with Democratic policies, now criticize his "arbitrary and cruel" immigration policies. They argue that Trump is disregarding the realities and laws and pushing an anti-immigrant agenda. Yemen was initially designated for TPS in 2015 due to ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises.

In February 2026, the U.S. government announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Yemen, impacting approximately 1,400 Yemeni refugees and asylum seekers residing in the country. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem determined that conditions in Yemen no longer warrant the protected status, citing national interest as the reason for the revocation. Yemenis affected by this decision have 60 days to leave the U.S. or face deportation. TPS was initially granted in September 2015 due to ongoing armed conflict in Yemen. Despite the decision, the State Department continues to advise against travel to Yemen, citing terrorism, unrest, and other dangers.

The Trump administration has ended temporary protected status (TPS) for Yemeni nationals in the US, according to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. The decision affects over 1,380 Yemenis who were granted deportation relief and work permits as part of the program. TPS provides relief to people already in the US due to extraordinary events in their home countries, such as natural disasters or armed conflict. The administration determined that Yemen no longer meets the law's requirements for TPS designation. This decision is the latest move by the Trump administration targeting immigrants. The status was set to expire on March 3, but its termination will now take effect immediately.