The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today that Afghanistan has been granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. Only people who are already living in the United States on March 15, 2022, will be eligible for TPS.
“This TPS designation will help to protect Afghan nationals who have already been living in the United States from returning to unsafe conditions,” said Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Under this designation, TPS will also provide additional protections and assurances to trusted partners and vulnerable Afghans who supported the U.S. military, diplomatic, and humanitarian missions in Afghanistan over the last 20 years.”
Secretary Mayorkas is granting TPS to Afghanistan on the statutory basis of ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions that prevent the country’s nationals from returning safely. Afghanistan is in an armed conflict that poses a serious threat to the safety of returning nationals. The Taliban seeks to impose control in all areas of the country. Besides, the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) conducts attacks against civilians.
Extraordinary and temporary conditions make it even more difficult for nationals to return safely
They include a collapsing public sector, a worsening economic crisis, drought, food and water insecurity, a lack of access to healthcare, internal displacement, human rights abuses, repression by the Taliban, infrastructure destruction, and increased criminality.
Moreover, most Afghan nationals paroled into the United States on a case-by-case basis for humanitarian reasons for two years. They received work authorization through Operation Allies Welcome. These people may also be eligible for TPS. You can find more information on applying for TPS at Temporary Protected Status | USCIS.
TPS is available only to those who are already residing in the United States as of March 15, 2022. They also need to meet all other requirements, such as undergoing security and background checks. Those attempting to enter the United States after March 15, 2022, will be ineligible for TPS.
The TPS designation for Afghanistan will be effective 18 months from the date of publication of the upcoming Federal Register notice. Lastly, the Federal Register notice includes the instructions for applying for TPS and an Employment Authorization Document.
Source: uscis.gov
