U.S. Ends Temporary Protected Status for Afghans as of July 2025

Key Takeaways

• TPS for Afghanistan ends on July 14, 2025, putting thousands at risk of deportation.
• Afghan TPS holders’ work permits expire July 14, 2025; employers must reverify work eligibility.
• Affected Afghans should seek legal counsel, apply for asylum, or explore refugee resettlement options.

Thousands of Afghan nationals in the United States 🇺🇸 face an uncertain future after Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan. The decision, made public on May 12, 2025, takes effect July 14, 2025, leaving many Afghans at risk of deportation unless they find another way to stay in the country. This change affects not only individuals and families but also employers, advocacy groups, and communities across the United States 🇺🇸.

Immediate Impact of TPS Termination

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) declared that TPS for Afghanistan would end on July 14, 2025. This move follows a 60-day notice period, giving Afghan TPS holders and their employers a short window to prepare. Secretary Kristi Noem explained that the decision was based on an assessment that conditions in Afghanistan have improved enough to no longer meet the requirements for TPS. She stated, “This action restores the temporary intent of TPS and addresses national security concerns.”

For Afghan nationals who have relied on TPS to live and work legally in the United States 🇺🇸, the end of this protection is a major blow. Their Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), which allow them to work, also expire on July 14, 2025. Employers must reverify the work eligibility of these employees before they can continue working after that date.

What Is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?

Temporary Protected Status is a program that lets people from certain countries stay and work in the United States 🇺🇸 for a limited time if their home country is unsafe due to war, natural disasters, or other serious problems. TPS does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship, but it does protect people from being deported while it is in effect.

Afghanistan received TPS after the Taliban took control in 2021, leading to widespread violence and instability. Many Afghans who fled to the United States 🇺🇸 have relied on this status to rebuild their lives.

Reasons Behind the Decision

The DHS, under Secretary Kristi Noem, said that Afghanistan’s security and economy have improved enough to end TPS. The administration pointed to better stability in some areas, even though humanitarian groups disagree. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), nearly half of Afghanistan’s population still needs help, and women face severe restrictions on their rights.

Humanitarian organizations argue that the situation in Afghanistan remains dangerous, especially for women, children, and minority groups. They say that ending TPS puts people at risk of being sent back to a country where they could face harm.

What Happens to Afghan TPS Holders Now?

With TPS ending, Afghan nationals who do not have another legal way to stay in the United States 🇺🇸 could face deportation. Many are now scrambling to find other options, such as applying for asylum or seeking refugee status.

Here’s what affected individuals should do:

1. Seek Legal Counsel: It’s important to talk to an immigration attorney as soon as possible. Lawyers can help people understand their options and guide them through the process.
2. Apply for Asylum: If someone fears returning to Afghanistan because of persecution or danger, they may be able to apply for asylum. This must be done within one year of arriving in the United States 🇺🇸, unless there are special circumstances.
3. Explore Refugee Resettlement: Some Afghans may qualify for the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), which has different priority categories for people in urgent need.
4. Stay Informed: Policies can change quickly. It’s important to check official government websites and follow updates from trusted advocacy groups.

Employment and Legal Challenges

The end of TPS also creates problems for employers. Companies that hired Afghan TPS holders must now check their employees’ work authorization again. If someone’s EAD has expired and they do not have another valid status, they cannot legally work.

Employers should:

• Review Employee Records: Make sure all work authorization documents are up to date.
• Communicate with Affected Employees: Let employees know about the changes and encourage them to seek legal advice.
• Follow Federal Guidelines: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides detailed instructions for employers on how to handle these situations. You can find more information on the USCIS TPS page.

Humanitarian Concerns and Advocacy

Many experts and humanitarian groups believe the decision to end TPS for Afghanistan is premature. They point to ongoing violence, poverty, and restrictions on women’s rights. According to UNHCR, millions of Afghans are still at risk, and sending people back could put their lives in danger.

A spokesperson for a leading refugee advocacy group said, “The situation in Afghanistan remains dire. Women and girls face daily threats, and many families have no way to support themselves. Ending TPS now ignores these realities.”

Advocacy groups are calling on the U.S. government to reconsider the decision or at least provide more support for Afghans who lose TPS. Some are pushing for new legislation that would give Afghan nationals a path to permanent residency.

Legal and Policy Implications

Legal experts warn that many Afghans could fall into legal limbo after TPS ends. Without another form of protection, they may be forced to leave the United States 🇺🇸 or risk living without legal status. This can lead to problems like losing jobs, being unable to access health care, and facing the threat of deportation.

There may also be lawsuits challenging the decision to end TPS. Advocacy groups argue that the U.S. government did not fully consider the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Courts could step in to delay or reverse the decision, but for now, the end date remains July 14, 2025.

Refugee Resettlement Options

Afghan nationals who lose TPS may be able to apply for refugee status through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). This program has three main priority categories:

• Priority-1 (P-1): For people referred by the United Nations, U.S. embassies, or certain non-governmental organizations.
• Priority-2 (P-2): For groups of special concern, such as people who worked with the U.S. government or military.
• Priority-3 (P-3): For family members of refugees already in the United States 🇺🇸.

Applying for refugee status can be a long and complex process. It often requires proof of danger or persecution and may involve interviews and background checks. For more details, visit the USCIS Refugee Admissions page.

Asylum as an Alternative

Asylum is another option for Afghans who fear returning home. To qualify, a person must show they have a well-founded fear of persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

The asylum process involves:

• Filing Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal. You can find the form and instructions on the official USCIS website.
• Attending an Interview: After submitting the application, the person will be called for an interview with an asylum officer.
• Waiting for a Decision: The process can take several months or even years, depending on the backlog.

It’s important to file for asylum within one year of arriving in the United States 🇺🇸, unless there are special reasons for missing the deadline.

Community and Employer Responses

Many communities and employers are stepping up to support Afghan TPS holders. Some local governments are providing legal clinics, while employers are offering resources to help affected workers understand their rights.

A manager at a large company employing Afghan TPS holders said, “We value our Afghan employees and want to do everything we can to help them stay. We’re working with legal experts to make sure they have the information and support they need.”

Advocacy and Legal Support

Several organizations are offering free or low-cost legal help to Afghans affected by the end of TPS. These groups can help with asylum applications, refugee resettlement, and other immigration matters. Some well-known organizations include:

• International Rescue Committee (IRC)
• HIAS
• Catholic Charities
• Local legal aid societies

Affected individuals should reach out to these groups as soon as possible, as demand for services is likely to increase.

Future Outlook and Possible Developments

The end of TPS for Afghanistan is likely to lead to legal challenges and continued advocacy. Some lawmakers and advocacy groups are pushing for new laws that would give Afghan nationals a way to stay in the United States 🇺🇸 permanently. Others are calling for the administration to reconsider the decision in light of ongoing problems in Afghanistan.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, legal experts expect that some affected individuals and advocacy groups will file lawsuits to block or delay the termination of TPS. Courts could order the government to reconsider if they find that the decision did not fully account for the humanitarian crisis.

Key Questions and Answers

• What happens after TPS expires? Afghan nationals who do not have another legal status may face deportation. It’s important to seek legal help right away.
• Can I apply for asylum? Yes, if you fear persecution in Afghanistan and meet the requirements. You must apply within one year of arriving in the United States 🇺🇸, unless there are special circumstances.
• What are the options for refugee resettlement? You may qualify for the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program under one of the priority categories. The process can be long and requires proof of danger or persecution.
• What should employers do? Employers must reverify the work authorization of Afghan TPS holders before July 15, 2025. They should communicate with affected employees and provide information about legal resources.

Practical Steps for Affected Individuals

If you are an Afghan national affected by the end of TPS, here’s what you should do:

• Contact a trusted immigration attorney or legal aid organization.
• Gather all important documents, including your TPS approval notice, EAD, and any proof of danger in Afghanistan.
• Apply for asylum or refugee status if you qualify.
• Stay updated by checking the USCIS website and following news from advocacy groups.
• Let your employer know about your situation and ask if they can help with legal resources.

Conclusion

The end of Temporary Protected Status for Afghanistan marks a turning point for thousands of Afghan nationals in the United States 🇺🇸. While the government says conditions have improved, many experts and humanitarian groups warn that Afghanistan remains unsafe for many people. The decision by Secretary Kristi Noem has far-reaching effects, not only for individuals and families but also for employers and communities.

Affected Afghans should act quickly to explore their options, seek legal help, and stay informed about possible changes. Employers and community organizations can play a key role by supporting those at risk and providing access to resources. As the situation develops, continued advocacy and legal action may shape the future for Afghans seeking safety and stability in the United States 🇺🇸.

Learn Today

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) → A U.S. program allowing nationals from unsafe countries to stay and work temporarily without deportation risk.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) → A work permit issued to legally authorize employment for TPS holders and others in the U.S.
Asylum → Protection granted to individuals fearing persecution if returned to their home country, requiring timely application.
U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) → A program facilitating legal resettlement of refugees into the U.S. under specific priority categories.
Deportation → The legal removal of a foreign national from a country due to violations of immigration laws.

This Article in a Nutshell

TPS protection for Afghan nationals ends July 14, 2025, risking deportation and work authorization loss. Legal support and alternative immigration pathways like asylum or refugee status are vital. Advocacy groups urge reconsideration due to ongoing humanitarian risks in Afghanistan. Employers must verify eligibility before July deadline.
— By VisaVerge.com