September 3, 2025
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan will officially end on July 14, 2025. This decision was made by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, following a comprehensive review of the current situation in Afghanistan.
TPS is a humanitarian immigration status granted to nationals from countries experiencing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary conditions that make it unsafe for them to return. For Afghanistan, that designation is set to expire on May 20, 2025, and DHS has now confirmed it will not be renewed.
“This administration is returning TPS to its original, temporary purpose,” said Secretary Noem. “Our review, conducted with input from interagency partners, concluded that conditions in Afghanistan have improved enough that TPS is no longer justified.”
Why TPS for Afghanistan Is Ending
Every country designated for TPS must undergo a routine review before its expiration date. This review involves close collaboration between DHS, the Department of State, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and other government agencies.
According to DHS, Afghanistan no longer meets the legal criteria for TPS because:
- The security situation has improved, with reduced large-scale violence or conflict.
- The economy is stabilizing, allowing for the reintegration of returning nationals.
- Conditions no longer constitute “extraordinary and temporary” circumstances that would prevent safe return.
National Security and Immigration Integrity
The DHS statement also referenced broader concerns related to national security. According to Secretary Noem, some Afghan TPS recipients have been linked to investigations involving fraud or threats to public safety, which influenced the decision to end the program.
“Reviewing TPS designations is part of restoring integrity in our immigration system,” Noem said. “This move aligns with our commitment to enforce immigration law while prioritizing national interest.”
What Happens Next?
Afghan nationals currently under TPS will retain their protection until July 14, 2025, giving them a grace period to prepare for return or explore other legal immigration options: asylum, adjustment of status (application for legal permanent residence or some other form of change of status).
The U.S. is phasing out Temporary Protected Status for Afghanistan, citing improved conditions on the ground and national security considerations. While this marks a significant policy shift, the government says it’s part of a broader effort to return TPS to its intended temporary role.
DHS encourages affected individuals to stay informed through official updates and consult legal experts regarding their status. Call Bailey Immigration for a free consultation at 503-224-0950.
