Termination of Temporary Protected Status for Afghan Nationals

 

The U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of Afghanistan. The current TPS designation expired on May 20, 2025. After reviewing the latest country conditions, the Department of Homeland Security has determined that Afghanistan no longer meets the requirements for TPS. As a result, this termination will take effect 60 days after its publication in the Federal Register, meaning that TPS status and all related benefits, including work and travel authorization, will no longer be valid starting July 14, 2025.

Afghanistan was designated for TPS by the Biden administration in May 2022 due to the ongoing armed conflict and devastating country conditions. Eligible Afghan nationals were able to apply for TPS, as well as work and travel authorization, valid through May 20, 2025. At least 60 days before the end of a country’s TPS validity period, the Department of Homeland Security reviews the country’s current conditions. Following this review, the Secretary of Homeland Security concluded that conditions in Afghanistan have notably improved, and that allowing Afghan nationals to remain in the U.S. under TPS is now contrary to the country’s national interest. 

As a result, Afghan nationals currently under TPS will be required to depart the U.S. by July 14, 2025 unless they obtain another lawful immigration status. Individuals must also report their timely departure to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This termination is expected to affect more than 9,000 Afghan nationals currently residing in the U.S. under TPS.

This alert is for informational purposes only.  Please contact us if you would like to discuss this development further.

 
Nadia Yakoob