H.R. 6946 — Temporary Protected Status Reform Act of 2026.

This section sets forth congressional findings on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under section 244 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The findings are that (1) TPS provides temporary humanitarian relief to nationals of designated countries experiencing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary conditions; (2) TPS designations for certain countries have been repeatedly extended for multiple decades; (3) executive branch discretion over TPS has led to differing interpretations across administrations; (4) long-term TPS designations raise policy questions on the immigration system, including lawful presence, work authorization, and eligibility for other relief; and (5) Congress has constitutional authority and responsibility to review and amend immigration statutes.

This section terminates the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation under the Immigration and Nationality Act for nationals of Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon, effective 180 days after enactment. (TPS provides eligible nationals of designated foreign states temporary protection from removal and work authorization due to armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary conditions that prevent safe return.) It further prohibits the Secretary of Homeland Security from designating or redesignating any of those countries for TPS on or after enactment, except pursuant to a statute enacted after that date expressly authorizing such action.

This section requires individuals whose Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is terminated pursuant to INA §244(o) to depart the United States by the effective date specified in section 2(b) and cease to be lawfully present thereafter, except for those granted independent lawful status (e.g., lawful permanent residence, nonimmigrant status, asylum) by that date. (Thus, such individuals without independent status are subject to removal if they remain.) It prohibits the Department of Homeland Security from removing individuals solely due to TPS termination during the 180-day period preceding the termination date and terminates any related employment authorization documents on that date.

This section provides a rule of construction specifying that nothing in this Act (1) requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to grant discretionary relief from removal, (2) limits the Secretary's authority to deny applications for immigration benefits, or (3) confers any right to remain in the United States beyond the termination date specified in section 2(b).