The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has officially terminated Afghanistan’s Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Officials say the country’s improved stability no longer supports the designation. Afghan TPS holders must adjust their status or prepare to depart by July 12, 2025, as part of DHS’s return to strict TPS enforcement.
Review Of Country Conditions Resulted in Cancellation
According to U.S. immigration law, the Secretary of the DHS must re-examine the situation in a TPS-designated country at least 60 days before the expiration date of the existing designation. After consulting with affected U.S. government agencies, DHS determined that conditions in Afghanistan have significantly improved. Secretary Kristi Noem decided that Afghanistan no longer meets the statutory criteria for TPS due to favorable national security and economic stabilization developments.
These findings were reached based on an exhaustive review conducted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in cooperation with the Department of State. The report confirmed that Afghanistan today is not a persistent armed conflict or temporary exceptional situations that would prevent nationals from safely returning home.
Shifting TPS Back to Its Intended Purpose
The Trump administration has prioritized returning to the original purpose of TPS: a strictly temporary solution for individuals who cannot safely return to their countries of origin. Officials believe the decision serves this purpose and brings integrity back into the system.
As DHS explains, TPS is not meant to be a permanent status or path to residency. Instead, it is a temporary humanitarian protection during times of crisis or uncertainty. Officials said recent developments no longer justify continuing this temporary status for Afghanistan.
National Security Considerations at Play
In addition to the country’s conditions, the DHS cited national interest in terminating TPS. According to department records, some Afghan TPS recipients have been investigated for immigration fraud and other public safety threats. Authorities explained that terminating TPS for Afghanistan is intended to ensure national security. Anne emphasizes the importance of legal immigration procedures.
The department also explained that abuse of TPS undermines its legitimacy and public trust in the immigration process. Terminating designations when the premise of the law no longer holds indicates DHS’s overall endeavor to have more secure and open immigration policies during the Trump administration.
Next Steps for Afghan TPS Holders
With the termination date now set, Afghan citizens who are holders of TPS must act quickly. They will be required to seek legal immigration options, apply for other immigration benefits, or prepare to return home if eligible. While DHS acknowledged the difficult choices this may pose, the department believes the current environment in Afghanistan supports safe repatriation.
No new TPS requests from Afghanistan will be approved, and individuals already enjoying the status should not expect future renewals unless new exceptional conditions arise.
What’s Next?
As the termination of TPS for Afghanistan approaches, immigration attorneys and advocacy groups will be needed to advise and assist those affected. The administration has stated that TPS will remain a temporary solution rather than a long-term solution. Subsequent designations or terminations of TPS will remain based solely on statutory criteria and national interest considerations.
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