The United States government has ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Yemeni refugees and asylum seekers. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced this on Friday. She said it is now safe for Yemenis to return to their country. More than 1,000 Yemeni nationals must leave the US within 60 days or face arrest and deportation. TPS allowed roughly 1,400 Yemenis to live and work in the US since September 2015 due to armed conflict in Yemen. Noem said, "After reviewing conditions in the country and consulting with appropriate US government agencies, I determined that Yemen no longer meets the law’s requirements to be designated for Temporary Protected Status." She added, "Allowing TPS Yemen beneficiaries to remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to our national interest," calling the decision an act of "putting America first." However, Yemen remains troubled by years of war and remains one of the poorest nations. The US State Department still warns against travel to Yemen due to "terrorism, unrest, crime, health risks, kidnapping, and landmines." TPS helps people from dangerous countries stay safely in the US temporarily. Though meant to be temporary, many presidents have extended TPS to protect refugees. The TPS for Yemen was last renewed in 2024 and set to end on March 3 this year. Yemeni nationals without other legal status must leave within 60 days or face arrest. The US government offers a free plane ticket and a $2,600 "exit bonus" to those who self-deport. Since taking office, President Donald Trump has ended TPS for Venezuelans, Hondurans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, Somalis, Ukrainians, and others. His administration has also expanded travel bans affecting 19 countries, mainly Muslim-majority and African nations, including Yemen.