USCIS July 2026 Alert: TPS Work Authorization Expiration Updated for 7 Countries

The U.S. Supreme Court's June 25, 2026, decision in Mullin v. Doe cleared the way for DHS to proceed with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) terminations for Haiti and Syria, with broader implications for other designated countries. TPS allows eligible nationals of specific countries — including Burma (Myanmar), Ethiopia, Haiti, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, and Yemen — to live and work temporarily in the United States. In response, USCIS issued updated guidance on July 10, 2026, superseding all prior directives. While affected TPS beneficiaries retain status and employment authorization for now under court-ordered extensions, new Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expiration dates have been set. Employers must use July 17, 2026, as the EAD expiration date for Syria, South Sudan, Yemen, Ethiopia, Burma, and Somalia employees. For Haitian TPS beneficiaries, the applicable expiration date is July 24, 2026. Employers with TPS workers face immediate compliance obligations. Key steps include identifying affected employees, reviewing and updating Form I-9 records, recalibrating E-Verify tracking systems, and scheduling reverification reminders before the applicable deadlines. USCIS recommends attaching the relevant agency alerts to each employee's I-9 file as supporting documentation. Failure to act promptly creates meaningful legal exposure: lapsed TPS-based work authorization can trigger I-9 violations, civil fines, audit liability, and federal contracting risk. Employers should avoid making document-specific requests and continue accepting any valid employment authorization document the employee chooses to present. Given that litigation is ongoing and TPS status remains subject to change, employers are strongly advised to monitor USCIS updates closely and consult experienced immigration counsel to assess compliance posture, reverification timelines, and any alternative immigration status options for affected workers.