The Trump administration announced Monday it will terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for over 9,000 Afghans in the United States, citing "improved security" and economic conditions in Afghanistan despite ongoing Taliban rule. The decision marks a significant shift in U.S. policy toward Afghan immigrants who sought refuge following the chaotic U.S. withdrawal in 2021 and raises questions about their future safety upon return to Taliban-controlled territory.
Afghanistan TPS Program Termination: Key Developments
The Department of Homeland Security formally announced the end of TPS protections for Afghanistan, with Secretary Kristi Noem stating the program will officially terminate on July 12, 2025—just 60 days after the notice filing, which is the minimum timeline allowed under law CBS News1. The program, which had been set to expire on May 20, provided temporary legal status and work authorization to Afghans deemed unable to safely return to their homeland.
"This administration is returning TPS to its original temporary intent," Noem said in an official statement. "We've reviewed the conditions in Afghanistan with our interagency partners, and they do not meet the requirements for a TPS designation." The Hill2
The administration's assessment cited what it characterized as Afghanistan's "improved security situation" and "stabilizing economy," arguing these conditions no longer prevent Afghans from returning to their home country. Officials pointed to increased Chinese tourism as evidence of "peaceful conditions" and noted that the number of Afghans needing humanitarian assistance had decreased from 29 million to 23.7 million this year The Hill2.
The Afghan TPS program is distinct from the more permanent "special immigrant visas" issued to Afghans who worked alongside U.S. military forces during the two-decade war CBS News1.
Global Reactions: Advocacy Groups and Critics Condemn Decision
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from refugee advocacy organizations and former U.S. officials who view it as abandoning allies who supported American efforts in Afghanistan.
"What the administration has done today is betray people who risked their lives for America, built lives here, and believed in our promises," wrote #AfghanEvac, a nonprofit that assists Afghan families resettling in the U.S., in a post on social media platform X Politico3.
The Afghan-American Foundation called the move a betrayal of those who assisted the U.S. during its 20 years of military presence in the country. "The sacrifices Afghan allies made in service of the American mission in Afghanistan were not temporary, the protection we offer them must also be permanent," said Joseph Azam, representing the organization The Hill2.
Shawn VanDiver, president of #AfghanEvac, provided a particularly pointed critique: "The decision to terminate TPS for Afghanistan is not rooted in reality — it's rooted in politics. Afghanistan remains under the control of the Taliban. There is no functioning asylum system. There are still assassinations, arbitrary arrests and ongoing human rights abuses, especially against women and ethnic minorities." Washington Post4
Expert Insights: Security Claims vs. On-Ground Reality
Security experts and humanitarian organizations have questioned the administration's characterization of conditions in Afghanistan, particularly the claim that security has improved sufficiently to warrant ending protected status.
When the Biden administration last extended the program in 2023, officials cited multiple ongoing concerns: a humanitarian crisis following the Taliban takeover, the collapse of Afghanistan's economy, human rights abuses perpetrated by the Taliban regime, and the continued threat of terrorist attacks by a local Islamic State offshoot CBS News1.
Matthew Tragesser, chief of public affairs at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, defended the decision by suggesting that "bad actors are taking advantage of this humanitarian program" Washington Post4. Secretary Noem echoed this sentiment, claiming that "DHS records indicate that there are recipients who have been under investigation for fraud and threatening our public safety and national security" Politico3.
However, critics argue that these concerns could be addressed through existing vetting procedures rather than ending protections for thousands who legitimately fled dangerous circumstances.
Future Implications: Legal Challenges and Broader Immigration Policy
The termination of Afghan TPS is part of a broader immigration crackdown that has characterized the early months of Trump's second term. The administration has made similar efforts to terminate TPS protections for approximately 600,000 Venezuelans residing in the U.S., but those actions were halted by a federal judge who argued the move was "predicated on negative stereotypes" CBS News1.
The Justice Department has filed an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court seeking to lift that judicial order Politico3, suggesting the administration may be prepared to fight any similar legal challenges to the Afghan TPS termination.
Reports indicate the Trump administration has considered exempting Christians from deportations to Afghanistan, acknowledging that Christian converts face particular persecution if returned to the Taliban-controlled country Politico3. This potential carve-out demonstrates the complicated nature of the security claims being made.
For the thousands of Afghans who arrived in the U.S. after the 2021 evacuation, many under temporary "parole" status, the end of TPS creates significant uncertainty. Without these protections, they could face deportation to a country still controlled by the Taliban regime that the U.S. fought against for two decades.
Looking Forward: Humanitarian Concerns Amid Policy Shifts
As the July 12 termination date approaches, affected Afghans must navigate limited options. While some may qualify for asylum or other immigration protections, the process is complex and success is not guaranteed.
The decision reflects significant tensions between immigration enforcement priorities and humanitarian concerns. Critics argue that deporting Afghans to a country still controlled by the Taliban—particularly those who assisted American forces—undermines U.S. credibility and breaks promises made to allies.
As this policy takes effect, will the U.S. be able to balance national security interests with its historical commitment to protecting those who faced persecution for aiding American efforts abroad? The coming months will likely determine the fate of thousands of Afghans who sought refuge in America following the U.S. withdrawal.
