Deportation Threat Intensifies for Vermont’s Afghan Community Today

Key Takeaways

• TPS for Afghanistan ends July 14, 2025, risking deportation of over 17,000 Afghans nationwide.
• US refugee resettlement halted since January 2025; new travel ban restricts Afghan entry and family reunification.
• Vermont bills S.44 and S.56/H.375 propose state protections; legal help recommended for affected Afghans.

The end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan has brought urgent challenges for Vermont’s Afghan community. As of July 14, 2025, hundreds of Afghans in Vermont and thousands more across the United States 🇺🇸 face the real threat of deportation. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, what actions are needed right now, and what these changes mean for Afghans and their families in Vermont.

What Has Changed: End of TPS for Afghanistan and New Federal Restrictions

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced in May 2025 that TPS for Afghanistan would expire on May 20, 2025, with the official end date set for July 14, 2025. This means that Afghans who have been living in the United States 🇺🇸 under TPS protections will lose their legal status, work authorization, and protection from deportation after July 14.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem explained that Afghanistan’s “improved security situation” and “stabilizing economy” no longer meet the requirements for TPS. She also mentioned national security concerns and allegations of fraud among some TPS recipients as reasons for ending the program.

At the same time, President Trump’s administration has taken a much tougher approach to immigration. On his first day back in office in January 2025, he signed an executive order suspending the U.S. refugee resettlement program. This order took effect the following week, stopping new refugee arrivals, including those from Afghanistan. In June 2025, a new travel ban was announced, making it even harder for people from Afghanistan and several other countries to enter the United States 🇺🇸. This ban also blocks family reunification, leaving many families separated.

Who Is Affected: Vermont’s Afghan Community and Beyond

The end of TPS for Afghanistan affects more than 17,000 Afghans nationwide who held this status as of early 2025. In Vermont, about 600 Afghan refugees have resettled since 2022, with most living in Chittenden County (including Burlington), and smaller groups in Rutland and Brattleboro.

These changes impact:
– Afghans in Vermont with TPS: They lose legal status and face deportation after July 14, 2025.
– Afghan families hoping to reunite: The travel ban blocks new arrivals and family reunification.
– Refugees waiting for resettlement: The suspension of the refugee program means no new arrivals for now.
– Community organizations and service providers: They must respond to increased fear, uncertainty, and need for support.

Effective Dates and Key Deadlines

• May 20, 2025: TPS for Afghanistan officially expires.
• July 14, 2025: Termination of TPS for Afghanistan takes effect. After this date, Afghans with TPS lose their legal status and protection from deportation.
• January 2025: Suspension of the U.S. refugee resettlement program begins.
• June 2025: New travel ban announced, further restricting entry from Afghanistan.

Required Actions for Affected Individuals

If you or someone you know is an Afghan TPS holder in Vermont, it is very important to act quickly:

1. Consult an immigration attorney immediately. Legal experts can help you understand your options and may be able to help you apply for other forms of protection, such as asylum, humanitarian parole, or family-based petitions.
2. Check if you have another form of legal status. If you have a pending asylum application, Special Immigrant Visa (SIV), or are eligible for adjustment of status, you may be able to stay in the United States 🇺🇸 legally.
3. Gather important documents. Keep your identification, TPS approval notice, work permit, and any other immigration paperwork in a safe place.
4. Contact local organizations for help. USCRI Vermont and the Vermont Afghan Alliance Project (VAAP) offer legal and social services. Their contact information is provided below.
5. Stay informed about state and federal policy changes. Vermont lawmakers are considering new bills that could offer some state-level protections, but these are not yet in effect.

Practical Implications: What the End of TPS for Afghanistan Means

The loss of TPS for Afghanistan has serious consequences for Afghans in Vermont:

• Loss of legal status: Without TPS, Afghans become undocumented unless they have another valid immigration status.
• Loss of work authorization: TPS holders will no longer be allowed to work legally in the United States 🇺🇸 after July 14, 2025.
• Risk of deportation: Afghans without legal status can be detained and removed from the country. Many face the possibility of being sent back to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, where human rights groups warn of serious dangers, especially for women, former U.S. allies, and ethnic minorities.
• Increased fear and isolation: Community organizations report that Afghans and other immigrants are withdrawing from public life, skipping school, health appointments, and social programs due to fear of enforcement actions.
• Strain on housing and employment: Many Afghans are now unable to plan for the future, find stable housing, or keep their jobs, putting extra pressure on Vermont’s support systems.

Local and State Policy Responses

Vermont has a long history of welcoming refugees, but state and local leaders now face limits on what they can do because of federal policy. Here’s what’s happening at the state level:

• S.44 (2025): This bill would require Vermont’s legislature to oversee any agreements with federal immigration authorities. The goal is to limit Vermont’s role in federal enforcement and protect immigrant rights.
• S.56/H.375 (2025): These bills would create a Vermont Office of New Americans (ONA) to coordinate services, legal support, and advocacy for all immigrants, including Afghans facing deportation.
• Support from state officials: Governor Phil Scott and local leaders have spoken in favor of helping refugees, but they admit that federal rules limit their power to intervene.

Expert and Community Perspectives

Legal experts and advocates warn that deporting Afghans to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan could have severe humanitarian consequences. Ongoing violence, persecution, and lack of basic rights make return dangerous, especially for women and those who worked with the United States 🇺🇸.

Community leaders point out that Afghan refugees have made important contributions to Vermont’s workforce, especially in manufacturing and agriculture. Losing these community members would hurt local businesses and the broader economy.

Advocacy groups like the Vermont Afghan Alliance Project (VAAP) and USCRI Vermont are urging state and federal officials to provide alternative protections, such as humanitarian parole, asylum, or state-level sanctuary policies.

Procedural Details and Resources

If you are an Afghan TPS holder in Vermont, here’s what you need to know:

• Your TPS status ends July 14, 2025. After this date, you are at risk of deportation unless you have another legal status.
• You may be eligible for other forms of relief. These include:
  • Asylum: If you fear returning to Afghanistan because of persecution, you may apply for asylum. You can find the official Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
  • Special Immigrant Visa (SIV): For those who worked with the U.S. government or military in Afghanistan, the SIV program may be an option.
  • Adjustment of Status: If you have a family member who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you may be able to apply for a green card. The Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status is available on the USCIS website.
  • Humanitarian parole: This is a temporary solution for people facing urgent danger. You can find more information on humanitarian parole from USCIS.
• Legal help is available. Contact USCRI Vermont for free or low-cost legal assistance:
  • Phone: 802-654-1704
  • Email: [email protected]
• Advocacy and support: The Vermont Afghan Alliance Project (VAAP) offers advocacy, legal support, and policy updates. Visit vaapvt.org for more information.

Implications for Pending Applications

If you have a pending application for asylum, SIV, or adjustment of status, you may be able to stay in the United States 🇺🇸 while your case is decided. However, losing TPS could affect your ability to work or access certain benefits. It is important to talk to an immigration attorney about your specific situation.

For those with pending applications:
– Keep all receipts and notices from USCIS. These documents prove that your case is still being processed.
– Update your address with USCIS. Use Form AR-11, Alien’s Change of Address Card to make sure you receive important mail.
– Respond to any requests for evidence or interviews. Missing a deadline could result in your case being denied.

Future Outlook and Legislative Developments

Advocates are pushing for Congress to pass an Afghan Adjustment Act, which would give Afghans a path to permanent residency. However, the chances of this happening soon are uncertain due to the current political climate.

Vermont’s S.44 and S.56/H.375 bills could offer some state-level protections and better coordination of services, but these bills are still being debated and have not yet become law.

The Biden-era expansion of humanitarian parole and resettlement programs has been rolled back, and further restrictions are possible under the current administration.

Summary Table: Key Policy Changes Affecting Vermont’s Afghan Community (2024–2025)

Official Contacts and Resources

• USCRI Vermont: Legal and social services for refugees and immigrants.
  • Phone: 802-654-1704
  • Email: [email protected]
• Vermont Afghan Alliance Project (VAAP): Advocacy, legal support, and policy updates.
  • Website: vaapvt.org
• Vermont State Refugee Office: Information on state-level refugee policy and support.
  • Executive Director: Tracy Dolan

For more information about TPS and other immigration programs, visit the official USCIS Temporary Protected Status page.

Actionable Takeaways and Next Steps

• If you are an Afghan TPS holder in Vermont, seek legal help right away. The end of TPS for Afghanistan means you must find another way to stay in the United States 🇺🇸 legally or risk deportation.
• Stay connected with local organizations. They can help you understand your options, connect you with legal services, and keep you updated on policy changes.
• Gather and protect your documents. Having your paperwork in order will help you apply for other forms of relief.
• Watch for updates on state and federal legislation. New laws could provide more support or protection in the future.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the end of TPS for Afghanistan and new federal restrictions have created a crisis for Vermont’s Afghan community. While state and local advocates are working hard to provide support, the immediate risk of deportation is very real. Taking quick action and seeking legal advice is the best way to protect yourself and your family during this difficult time.

If you have questions about your status or need help, contact USCRI Vermont or the Vermont Afghan Alliance Project as soon as possible. Stay informed, stay connected, and don’t wait to take action.

Learn Today

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) → A temporary immigration status allowing individuals from crisis-affected countries to live and work legally in the U.S.
Deportation → The legal process of removing a non-citizen from the United States for violating immigration laws or losing status.
Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) → A visa available for Afghans who worked with the U.S. government or military, offering a path to permanent residency.
Humanitarian parole → A temporary permission to enter or remain in the U.S. due to urgent humanitarian reasons or emergencies.
Adjustment of Status → A legal process enabling eligible individuals already in the U.S. to apply for lawful permanent resident status.

This Article in a Nutshell

TPS for Afghanistan ends July 14, 2025, leaving many Afghans in Vermont without legal status. Refugee resettlement is suspended, and new travel bans tighten immigration. Community advocates urge legal help and state protections to avoid deportation and support Afghan families facing uncertain futures in the United States.
— By VisaVerge.com