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The Department of Homeland Security designated Yemen for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months due to the ongoing armed conflict within that country. The designation, announced on Wednesday, grants Yemenis who are on temporary basis in the United States the right to stay and apply for work authorization after their visas expire.

However, it does not open a path to citizenship or permanent residency.

Several Arab and Muslim American organizations, backed by lawmakers, have formally requested the status, arguing that returning to Yemen would pose a serious threats to Yemenis in the Unites States.

U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn), who has been advocating for TPS for Yemeni nationals, thanked Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson for his decision.

Eligible Yemeni nationals residing in the United States may apply for TPS with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) from September 3 to March 1, 2016. The designation will be in effect through March 3, 2017. Details and procedures for applying for TPS can be found online at www.uscis.gov/tps.

Dingell said Yemeni Americans and their families have been suffering because of the war, which has been devastating Yemen since March.

"If Yemeni nationals visiting or living in the United States are required to return home during this ongoing crisis, their personal safety and their lives would be put at risk," Dingell said. "This designation by the Department of Homeland Security will provide safety and refuge during these difficult times; and it is critical that those who may be eligible and who may be afraid to return to their country during this conflict apply."

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