Key Takeaways
• TPS for Afghan refugees in Iowa ends on July 14, 2025, requiring them to leave the U.S.
• About 200 Afghan refugees in Iowa received deportation notices after DHS ended their protected status.
• Afghan refugees should seek legal help, check documents, and explore asylum or Special Immigrant Visa options.
Afghan Refugees in Iowa: Deportation Fears After Department of Homeland Security Notices
Afghan refugees living in Iowa are facing a time of deep worry and confusion. Many have received official emails from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) telling them their immigration status has ended and they must leave the United States 🇺🇸. These notices have caused fear, especially for those who escaped the Taliban and built new lives in Iowa. This article explains what is happening, who is affected, what rights and options Afghan refugees have, and what steps they can take next.
What Is Happening to Afghan Refugees in Iowa?
In April and May 2025, Afghan refugees in Iowa started getting emails from the Department of Homeland Security. These emails said their protected status was ending and they had to leave the United States 🇺🇸 right away. The language in the notices was very direct, with phrases like “It is time for you to leave the United States” and “Do not attempt to remain in the United States — the federal government will find you.”
The main reason for these emails is a change in U.S. immigration policy. On May 12, 2025, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced that Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan would end. TPS is a program that lets people from certain countries stay in the United States 🇺🇸 if it is unsafe for them to return home. For Afghan refugees, this protection will officially end on July 14, 2025.
Many Afghan refugees in Iowa are now afraid of being forced to return to Afghanistan, where the Taliban is in control. Some are former soldiers who worked with U.S. forces and fear for their lives if they go back.
Who Is Affected by the DHS Notices?
About 200 Afghan refugees in Iowa have received these deportation notices, according to Shir Agha Safi, who leads Afghan Partners in Iowa. The notices have also been reported in other states, such as North Carolina and Utah. The emails were sent to addresses that refugees gave to a government app when they first arrived in the United States 🇺🇸.
It’s important to know that not only Afghan refugees are getting these notices. Karen Everling, who leads the World Grace Project in Waterloo, said that Venezuelan and Haitian refugees have also received similar emails. This shows that the Department of Homeland Security is reviewing the status of many groups, not just Afghans.
Why Did the Department of Homeland Security End TPS for Afghanistan?
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a program that gives people from certain countries the right to stay in the United States 🇺🇸 for a limited time if their home country is unsafe due to war, natural disasters, or other problems. In 2023, Afghan refugees were given TPS because of the dangerous situation in Afghanistan after the U.S. military left.
However, in May 2025, Secretary Noem said that Afghanistan no longer meets the requirements for TPS. She explained that there have been “notable improvements in the security and economic situation” in Afghanistan, so it is now safe for people to return. This is a big change from the earlier policy, which protected Afghan refugees from deportation.
What Documents Do Afghan Refugees Have?
When Afghan refugees arrive in the United States 🇺🇸, they usually get several important documents:
- Form I-94: This is a record of their admission to the United States 🇺🇸. It shows they entered as refugees under Section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The class of admission is listed as RE1, RE2, or RE3. You can check your I-94 record online at the official CBP I-94 website.
- Form I-766 (Employment Authorization Document): This is a work permit that allows refugees to get a job. The category for refugees is A03. You can find the latest version of Form I-766 here.
These documents are important for proving legal status, getting a job, and accessing services.
Who Is Eligible for Refugee Benefits in Iowa?
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services updated its rules on May 2, 2025. Afghan Humanitarian Parolees who arrived in the United States 🇺🇸 between July 31, 2021, and September 30, 2023, can get refugee cash assistance and other benefits. They can receive these benefits until March 31, 2023, or until their parole ends, whichever is later. Spouses and children who were granted parole after September 30, 2023, are also eligible.
If you are unsure about your eligibility, you can contact the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services or your local resettlement agency for help.
How Are Afghan Refugees in Iowa Reacting?
The news of deportation has caused fear and sadness in the Afghan community. Many refugees feel betrayed, especially those who fought alongside U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan. Shir Agha Safi said that returning to Afghanistan could mean torture or death for many people. He called the situation “very, very unfair” and said refugees feel “abandoned.”
Advocacy groups in Iowa have organized protests and rallies to support Afghan refugees. For example, there was a recent rally in Cedar Rapids where people spoke out against ending TPS for Afghanistan. These groups are also helping refugees find legal help and encouraging them to contact their U.S. senators.
What Rights Do Afghan Refugees Have?
Even if you receive a deportation notice, you still have some rights:
- You have the right to speak with a lawyer. Legal help can make a big difference in your case.
- You have the right to ask for a review of your case. If you think there is a mistake or you qualify for another type of protection, you can ask for a hearing.
- You have the right to stay in the United States 🇺🇸 until your case is decided. Do not leave the country without talking to a lawyer.
It’s important to keep all your documents safe and to respond to any official letters or emails you receive.
What Should Afghan Refugees Do Next?
If you are an Afghan refugee in Iowa who received a notice from the Department of Homeland Security, here are some steps you can take:
- Check Your Documents
- Make sure you have your Form I-94 and Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
- You can check your I-94 online at the official CBP I-94 website.
- Contact a Resettlement Agency
- Reach out to your national or local resettlement agency for help with your documents and legal advice.
- Seek Legal Help
- Find an immigration lawyer or legal aid group. They can help you understand your options and represent you in court if needed.
- Contact the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
- For questions about benefits or eligibility, you can email Catherine Lovan at [email protected].
- Advocate for Your Rights
- Join local advocacy groups like Afghan Partners in Iowa. They can help you connect with advisers and encourage you to contact your U.S. senators.
- Keep Records of All Communications
- Save all emails, letters, and documents you receive from the Department of Homeland Security or other government agencies.
- Explore Other Immigration Pathways
- Ask your lawyer if you qualify for asylum, Special Immigrant Visa (SIV), or other forms of protection.
What Are the Main Immigration Pathways for Afghan Refugees?
If TPS is ending, Afghan refugees may still have other ways to stay in the United States 🇺🇸. Here are some options:
- Asylum: If you fear harm or persecution in Afghanistan, you may apply for asylum. This process can be complex, so it’s important to get legal help. You can learn more about asylum on the USCIS Asylum page.
- Special Immigrant Visa (SIV): Some Afghans who worked with the U.S. military or government may qualify for an SIV. This visa is for people who helped the United States 🇺🇸 and are at risk because of their service.
- Family-Based Immigration: If you have close family members who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, they may be able to sponsor you.
- Humanitarian Parole: In some cases, you may qualify for humanitarian parole, which allows you to stay in the United States 🇺🇸 for urgent reasons.
Each pathway has its own rules and requirements. An immigration lawyer can help you decide which option is best for you.
How Does This Affect Other Refugee Groups?
The Department of Homeland Security has also sent similar notices to Venezuelan and Haitian refugees. This suggests that the government is reviewing the status of many groups, not just Afghans. If you are from another country and received a notice, you should also seek legal help and check your documents.
What Is the Government’s Position?
The Department of Homeland Security has said that being in the United States 🇺🇸 is a privilege, not a right. They are enforcing the law and acting in what they believe is the best interest of the country. DHS confirmed that some notices may have been sent to the wrong people by mistake and said they are working to fix these problems.
What Support Is Available for Afghan Refugees in Iowa?
Local groups like Afghan Partners in Iowa are working hard to help refugees. They are connecting families with advisers, helping them review their cases, and encouraging them to contact lawmakers. These groups say that speaking up and asking for help from senators could be the difference between life and death for some refugees.
You can also find help from national organizations, legal aid groups, and your local community. Many people in Iowa are standing with Afghan refugees and calling for fair treatment.
What Should You Do If You Receive a Deportation Notice?
If you get a notice from the Department of Homeland Security, don’t panic. Here’s what you should do:
- Read the notice carefully. Make sure you understand what it says and what deadlines are listed.
- Do not ignore the notice. Respond as soon as possible, and keep a copy for your records.
- Contact a lawyer or legal aid group right away. They can help you understand your rights and what steps to take.
- Reach out to local support groups. They can offer advice, help you find a lawyer, and connect you with others in the same situation.
What Are the Practical Implications for Afghan Refugees?
Losing TPS means Afghan refugees could lose their right to work, get benefits, and stay in the United States 🇺🇸. Many are worried about being sent back to Afghanistan, where they fear for their safety. Some may have to leave their jobs, homes, and schools. Families could be separated, and children who have grown up in Iowa may have to leave the only home they know.
Advocacy groups and legal experts say it is important for refugees to act quickly. The sooner you get help, the more options you may have.
Where Can You Find More Information?
For official information about Temporary Protected Status and other immigration programs, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) TPS page.
You can also check your I-94 record at the official CBP I-94 website.
For legal help, you can find a list of free or low-cost immigration lawyers on the American Immigration Lawyers Association website.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the end of TPS for Afghan refugees is causing real fear and hardship for many families in Iowa and across the United States 🇺🇸. Advocacy groups are urging people to seek legal help, check their documents, and speak up for their rights.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- Afghan refugees in Iowa are facing deportation after DHS ended TPS for Afghanistan.
- About 200 people in Iowa have received notices, including many who fought with U.S. forces.
- Refugees should check their documents, seek legal help, and contact local support groups.
- There may be other immigration pathways, such as asylum or SIV, but these require legal advice.
- Advocacy and speaking to lawmakers could help protect Afghan refugees from deportation.
If you or someone you know is affected, act quickly. Keep your documents safe, get legal advice, and reach out for support. The situation is changing, but there are people and organizations ready to help.
Learn Today
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) → A U.S. program allowing nationals from unsafe countries to stay temporarily without deportation risk.
Form I-94 → A document recording a person’s lawful admission into the United States as a refugee or visitor.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) → A permit allowing non-citizens, including refugees, to work legally in the United States.
Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) → A visa for Afghans who supported U.S. military or government and face danger due to service.
Asylum → Protection granted to those fearing persecution or harm if returned to their home country.
This Article in a Nutshell
Afghan refugees in Iowa face deportation after DHS ends Temporary Protected Status in July 2025. About 200 people received notices. Legal aid and advocacy groups urge refugees to check documents, seek help, and explore asylum or Special Immigrant Visas to remain in the U.S. safely and legally.
— By VisaVerge.com
