Key Takeaways:
- Nearly 9,000 Afghans in the U.S. will lose their Temporary Protected Status (TPS) starting mid-July.
- The decision was made after the government reviewed Afghanistan’s improving security and economy.
- TPS was granted to Afghans who aided the U.S. and fled after the 2021 withdrawal.
- The Taliban controls Afghanistan, and the U.S. currently advises against traveling there.
Breaking News: TPS Ends for Afghan Nationals
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nearly 9,000 Afghans living in the U.S. will end in mid-July. This decision affects individuals who were granted TPS after the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan in August 2021.
Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the administration is returning to the original intent of TPS, which is temporary. “After reviewing Afghanistan’s conditions, we found that the country’s security situation has improved, and its economy is stabilizing,” she explained.
What is Temporary Protected Status?
TPS is a program that allows people from certain countries to live and work in the U.S. if their homeland is unsafe due to war, natural disasters, or other crises. While under TPS, these individuals are protected from deportation.
Afghanistan’s Situation Today
In 2021, the U.S. withdrew its troops from Afghanistan, leading to a chaotic evacuation. Thirteen U.S. service members lost their lives during the withdrawal from Kabul. After the withdrawal, the Taliban took full control of the government.
Despite this, the Biden administration initially offered TPS to Afghans who had helped the U.S. military, fearing they would face persecution under Taliban rule.
However, the U.S. government now believes Afghanistan’s conditions have improved enough to end TPS. The State Department still warns against traveling to Afghanistan, rating it as a Level 4, the highest danger level.
What Does This Mean for Afghans in the U.S.?
For the 9,000 Afghans losing TPS, the end of the program means they will no longer be protected from deportation. They will have to find other ways to stay in the U.S., such as applying for asylum, green cards, or other visas. However, these options can be difficult and time-consuming to obtain.
The decision has caused concern among Afghan communities in the U.S., especially since many have built lives here and fear returning to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.
TPS Ends for Venezuelans and Haitians Too
This isn’t the first time the U.S. has ended TPS for certain groups. Secretary Noem has also terminated the program for Venezuelans and Haitians. The decision to end TPS for Venezuelans was challenged in court, but the administration managed to lift the order in May.
A Broader Debate on Immigration
The end of TPS for Afghans, Venezuelans, and Haitians reflects a larger debate over immigration policies in the U.S. While some argue that TPS should remain in place due to ongoing dangers in these countries, the administration believes the program was always meant to be temporary.
The Biden administration has also faced criticism for resisting court orders to reinstate TPS programs and refugee resettlement contracts.
The Case of South Africa’s Afrikaners
In a separate but related development, President Donald Trump signed an executive order in February addressing the plight of Afrikaners in South Africa. Afrikaners are an ethnic group of European descent, mostly Dutch, who have faced racial discrimination after South Africa’s apartheid era.
The order highlights their struggles, particularly after South Africa’s government passed a land ownership law aimed at addressing land dispossession under apartheid. However, this issue is not directly connected to the TPS program but reflects broader discussions about racial discrimination and immigration.
What’s Next for Afghan Nationals?
For the 9,000 Afghans losing TPS, the future is uncertain. Many fear deportation to a country still under Taliban rule, where they may face danger for their past support of the U.S.
Advocacy groups are urging Congress to find legislative solutions for these individuals, such as offering pathways to permanent residency. Without such action, many Afghans will be forced to leave the U.S. by mid-July.
A Message to Afghan Communities
Secretary Noem emphasized that the decision reflects the administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws as intended. “We understand the challenges this decision may bring, but we believe it is necessary to uphold the integrity of our immigration system,” she said.
For now, Afghan nationals in the U.S. must explore other legal options to remain in the country.
Final Thoughts
The decision to end TPS for Afghans highlights the complex and ever-changing nature of U.S. immigration policies. As the situation unfolds, many are left wondering what the future holds and whether Congress will step in to provide solutions. For now, the 9,000 Afghans impacted by this decision must navigate a difficult and uncertain path forward.