Trump Administration’s Controversial Decision: Ending Temporary Protected Status for Thousands of Afghans

The Biden administration has decided to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghans living in the U.S., which could lead to deportation for thousands starting May 20. This decision has sparked concern among many who believe that conditions in Afghanistan have not improved.

TPS is a program designed to protect individuals from countries facing war or natural disasters. It allows them to stay in the U.S. without the fear of deportation and provides work authorization. Currently, over 9,000 Afghans are under TPS, which was first granted in 2022 due to the chaotic situation in Afghanistan following the U.S. withdrawal and Taliban takeover.

According to Tricia McLaughlin, an assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the TPS designation for Afghanistan is being ended because they believe conditions have improved enough for people to return safely. However, many experts and advocates disagree.

Shawn VanDriver, president of #AfghanEvac, a nonprofit helping Afghans resettle, expressed disbelief at the decision. He stated that the situation in Afghanistan remains dangerous, especially for those who supported U.S. efforts during the war. He emphasized that this move disregards the promises made to those who assisted American forces.

Andrew Sullivan, executive director of No One Left Behind, highlighted that many Afghans are still processing their Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) and rely on TPS for stability. Many of these allies risked their lives for the U.S. and are now facing uncertainty due to gaps in documentation caused by the chaotic withdrawal.

This shift in policy mirrors broader immigration challenges in the U.S. The TPS system has faced scrutiny under previous administrations too. Following President Trump’s return to office, similar efforts to revoke TPS for Venezuelans raised alarms, leading to legal challenges on grounds of potential harm to those affected.

With the current administration’s focus on immigration reform, the debate surrounding TPS for Afghans is likely to continue. Advocates remain hopeful for legislative solutions to protect those who now call the U.S. home.

For those interested in further understanding the implications of these changes, a detailed report is available from the Congressional Research Service on TPS and its history in the U.S.

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