Homeland Security Ends Deportation Protections for Some Afghans

Key Takeaways

• DHS ended Temporary Protected Status for about 9,000 Afghans effective July 14, 2025, but court blocked termination.
• Federal court’s temporary injunction keeps TPS protections active until final ruling; uncertainty remains for Afghans.
• Affected Afghans should seek legal advice, monitor updates, and explore other immigration options like asylum or SIV.

On July 15, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a major change affecting thousands of Afghans living in the United States 🇺🇸. The agency, led by Secretary Kristi Noem, has ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan. This decision impacts about 9,000 Afghans who have relied on TPS to stay and work legally in the country. However, a federal court has temporarily blocked the removal of these protections, creating a period of uncertainty for those affected. Here’s a detailed look at what has changed, who is impacted, the timeline, required actions, and what this means for pending applications and the future.

Summary of What Changed

• TPS for Afghanistan Ended: DHS terminated TPS for Afghanistan, which had protected about 9,000 Afghans from deportation and allowed them to work legally in the United States 🇺🇸.
• Effective Date: The official end date was July 14, 2025. After this date, TPS holders from Afghanistan would lose their protection and work permits.
• Court Intervention: On July 14, 2025, a federal appeals court issued a temporary injunction. This means the end of TPS is on hold for now, and Afghans with TPS keep their protections until the court makes a final decision.
• Reason for Change: DHS said security and economic conditions in Afghanistan have improved. The agency also raised concerns about fraud and national security risks among some TPS holders.

Who Is Affected

• Afghans with TPS: About 9,000 people from Afghanistan who were granted TPS are directly affected. These individuals had been allowed to live and work in the United States 🇺🇸 because their home country was considered unsafe.
• Families and Communities: Many TPS holders have families, jobs, and deep ties in the United States 🇺🇸. The change could lead to family separations and disrupt communities.
• Employers: Businesses that employ Afghans with TPS may lose valued workers if the protections end.
• Pending Applicants: Anyone with a pending TPS application for Afghanistan is also affected. Their cases are now in limbo until the court case is resolved.

Timeline and Key Dates

• May 12, 2025: DHS announced it would end TPS for Afghanistan.
• May 20, 2025: The original TPS designation for Afghanistan expired.
• July 14, 2025: The termination was set to take effect, ending deportation protection and work permits for Afghan TPS holders.
• July 14, 2025: A federal appeals court issued a temporary injunction, blocking the end of TPS for now.
• July 15, 2025: The situation remains uncertain, with TPS protections still in place while the court reviews the case.

Required Actions for Affected Individuals

If you are an Afghan TPS holder or have a pending application, here’s what you need to do:

1. Stay Informed: Regularly check the official USCIS TPS Afghanistan page for updates.
2. Consult Legal Help: Speak with an immigration attorney or a trusted legal aid group. They can help you understand your options and prepare for possible changes.
3. Gather Documents: Keep all your immigration documents, work permits, and proof of TPS status in a safe place.
4. Explore Other Options: If you may qualify for another immigration status (like asylum, Special Immigrant Visa, or family-based petition), start gathering the necessary paperwork and seek legal advice.
5. Monitor Court Updates: The court’s decision could change your status quickly. Stay alert for new information.

Implications for Pending Applications

• Applications in Limbo: If you have a pending TPS application for Afghanistan, your case is paused. You will not receive a final decision until the court case is resolved.
• Work Authorization: If you already have work authorization under TPS, you can continue working for now. If you applied for work authorization but have not received it, your application is also on hold.
• Travel: Do not leave the United States 🇺🇸 without speaking to a lawyer. If TPS ends, you may not be able to return.

Background: Why Was TPS Granted to Afghans?

Temporary Protected Status is a program run by the Department of Homeland Security. It allows people from certain countries to stay and work in the United States 🇺🇸 when their home country is too dangerous due to war, natural disasters, or other serious problems.

• Afghanistan’s TPS History: The United States 🇺🇸 first gave TPS to Afghans in 2022, after the U.S. military withdrew and the Taliban took control. The country was considered unsafe for return because of violence and instability.
• Number of Afghans in the U.S.: About 80,000 Afghans came to the United States 🇺🇸 under different protection programs. Of these, around 9,000 received TPS.

How Does DHS Decide to End TPS?

The Department of Homeland Security must review the situation in each country with TPS at least every 18 months. Here’s how the process works:

• Review: DHS looks at reports from the State Department, intelligence agencies, and other sources to decide if the country is still unsafe.
• Consultation: The Secretary of Homeland Security talks with other government agencies before making a decision.
• Federal Register Notice: The decision is published in the Federal Register, making it official.
• Effective Date: DHS sets a date when the change will take effect, usually giving people some time to prepare.

Why Did DHS End TPS for Afghanistan?

According to DHS, the main reasons for ending TPS for Afghanistan are:

• Improved Security: DHS claims that Afghanistan is now safer and that the original reasons for giving TPS no longer exist.
• Economic Conditions: The agency says the economy has improved enough for people to return.
• Fraud and Security Concerns: DHS also mentioned worries about fraud and possible security risks among some TPS holders.
• Temporary Nature of TPS: Secretary Kristi Noem said the program is meant to be temporary and should not become a way for people to stay permanently.

What Do Critics Say?

Many immigration advocates, legal groups, and some lawmakers strongly disagree with DHS’s decision. Their main arguments are:

• Afghanistan Is Still Unsafe: Critics say the Taliban government continues to abuse human rights, especially against women and minorities. They argue that it is not safe for people to return.
• Humanitarian Crisis: Many Afghans who helped the United States 🇺🇸 during the war could face danger if sent back.
• Family and Community Impact: Ending TPS could break up families and hurt communities where Afghans have built new lives.
• Legal Challenges: Advocates have taken the case to court, arguing that DHS did not follow the law or consider all the facts.

What Does the Court Injunction Mean?

On July 14, 2025, just as the TPS termination was set to take effect, a federal appeals court stepped in. The court issued a temporary injunction, which means:

• TPS Protections Remain: For now, Afghans with TPS keep their protection from deportation and their work permits.
• No Immediate Deportations: DHS cannot remove TPS holders from Afghanistan until the court makes a final decision.
• Uncertain Timeline: It is not clear how long the injunction will last. The court could take weeks or months to decide.
• Possible Outcomes: The court could allow the termination to go forward, block it permanently, or send the case back to DHS for more review.

What Are the Alternatives for Afghans If TPS Ends?

If the court allows DHS to end TPS for Afghanistan, affected individuals will need to find another way to stay in the United States 🇺🇸. Some possible options include:

• Asylum: People who fear harm if they return to Afghanistan can apply for asylum. This process is complex and often takes a long time.
• Special Immigrant Visa (SIV): Afghans who worked with the U.S. government or military may qualify for an SIV. These visas are limited and the process is slow.
• Family-Based Petitions: Some may be able to stay if they have close family members who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
• Other Humanitarian Programs: There may be other forms of relief, but each has strict requirements.

For more information about these options, visit the USCIS humanitarian programs page.

What Should Employers and Community Groups Do?

• Employers: If you employ Afghans with TPS, be aware that their work authorization may end if the court lifts the injunction. Stay in touch with your employees and encourage them to seek legal advice.
• Community Groups: Local organizations can help by providing information, connecting people to legal aid, and supporting families during this uncertain time.

Key Stakeholders and Their Views

• Department of Homeland Security: DHS, led by Secretary Kristi Noem, says the decision is based on improved conditions in Afghanistan and the need to keep TPS temporary. The agency also points to concerns about fraud and security.
• Advocates and Legal Groups: These groups argue that Afghanistan is still dangerous and that many Afghans would face harm if sent back. They are fighting the decision in court.
• Affected Individuals: Many Afghans with TPS have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for years. They face fear, anxiety, and uncertainty about their future.
• Courts: The federal appeals court’s injunction shows that judges are taking a close look at DHS’s reasons and process.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What happens if the court allows TPS to end?
  • Afghans with TPS would lose their protection and work permits. They could be placed in removal (deportation) proceedings.
• Can I apply for another status?
  • Some people may qualify for asylum, SIV, or family-based petitions. Each option has its own rules and waiting times.
• How do I check my status?
  • Visit the USCIS Case Status Online page or speak with a legal professional.
• Should I leave the United States 🇺🇸?
  • Do not leave without talking to a lawyer. If TPS ends, you may not be able to return.

Summary Table

Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

• Court Decision: The federal court will decide if DHS can end TPS for Afghanistan. This could take time, and the outcome is uncertain.
• Possible Appeals: No matter what the court decides, either side could appeal, leading to more delays.
• Congressional Action: Lawmakers could pass a law to give Afghans permanent status, but this is unlikely in the near future.
• Administrative Changes: DHS could review its decision if conditions in Afghanistan change or if there is strong political or public pressure.

Where to Get Help and More Information

• USCIS TPS Afghanistan Page: For official updates, visit the USCIS TPS Afghanistan page.
• Legal Aid: Contact organizations like the American Immigration Council, National Immigration Law Center, or local legal aid groups for help.
• Federal Register: The official notice about the end of TPS for Afghanistan is published in the Federal Register.
• VisaVerge.com: Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that affected Afghans should act quickly to explore all possible immigration options and stay informed about legal developments.

Action Steps for Afghans with TPS

• Stay Alert: Monitor official sources for updates.
• Get Legal Advice: Don’t wait—talk to a trusted immigration lawyer or legal aid group.
• Prepare Documents: Keep all your paperwork organized and ready.
• Explore Other Options: If you might qualify for another status, start the process now.

Conclusion

The Department of Homeland Security’s decision to end Temporary Protected Status for Afghanistan has created a period of uncertainty for thousands of Afghans in the United States 🇺🇸. While the court’s injunction provides temporary relief, the future remains unclear. It is important for affected individuals and their families to stay informed, seek legal help, and prepare for all possible outcomes. The coming months will be critical as the court reviews the case and the government considers next steps. For now, TPS protections remain in place, but everyone affected should be ready for changes ahead.

Learn Today

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) → A U.S. immigration program allowing temporary stay and work for nationals of unsafe countries.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) → U.S. federal agency responsible for immigration, security, and public safety policies and enforcement.
Federal Court Injunction → A judicial order temporarily preventing enforcement of a government action or policy.
Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) → A visa for certain immigrants, such as Afghans who worked with the U.S. government.
Asylum → A legal protection granted to people fearing persecution in their home country.

This Article in a Nutshell

The Department of Homeland Security ended TPS for Afghanistan on July 14, 2025, affecting 9,000 Afghans. A federal court temporarily blocked removal of protections, causing uncertainty. Affected individuals must stay informed and consult legal help while exploring alternative immigration options to protect their status and families.
— By VisaVerge.com