USCIS August 2026 Alert: Somalia TPS Terminated, Ukraine & Sudan Expiring Oct 19

On August 14, 2026, USCIS issued three significant updates affecting Temporary Protected Status (TPS) beneficiaries. Most critically, a Massachusetts federal judge lifted the administrative stay blocking Somalia TPS termination, prompting USCIS to immediately invalidate Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for Somali nationals. Employers must now reverify affected workers and, if valid work authorization cannot be confirmed, follow standard I-9 non-compliance procedures including possible suspension or termination. For Sudan and Ukraine, USCIS confirmed both designations remain active but are set to expire on October 19, 2026. Work authorization has been extended through that date, but unlike automatic extensions, affected employees must present both a valid A12 or C19 EAD and an Individual Notice mailed to them—or available via myUSCIS—to establish continued work eligibility. Employers cannot accept the EAD alone. USCIS has given no indication whether Sudan or Ukraine TPS will be extended, redesignated, or formally terminated after October 19. This leaves employers in a period of workforce planning uncertainty for potentially thousands of workers. The situation mirrors what occurred with El Salvador's TPS, where similar notices were issued without commitment to renewal. With Somalia's termination finalized, only four TPS designations now remain active nationwide: El Salvador, Lebanon, Sudan, and Ukraine. The rapid pace of TPS terminations under the current administration signals continued risk for remaining designees. Employers with TPS workers should audit their I-9 records immediately and establish contingency plans for October 19.