WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, an estimated 11,000 Afghans with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are losing deportation protection and legal work authorization. This represents one of the first TPS designations to expire under recent policy changes.
Although litigation against the termination for Afghanistan nationals is ongoing, a recent court ruling allows Afghan TPS protections to lapse during the legal proceedings. The decision leaves thousands of Afghans, including many who worked alongside U.S. troops for over nearly two decades of military engagement in Afghanistan, at risk of deportation.
“The termination of TPS for Afghans will disrupt the lives of thousands of beneficiaries, harm the communities that have integrated them, and remove essential workers from key sectors of the American economy that depend on their contributions,” said Jennie Murray, President and CEO of the National Immigration Forum.
“These individuals are not only our allies, but our friends, employees and neighbors. Since so many of those losing their protections served alongside U.S. forces, we should honor that service by upholding our promise to provide safety and ensure that they have an opportunity to thrive here. We urge Congress to protect Afghans by providing them permanent status– a commitment that is long overdue.”