Thousands of Afghans could be deported when protected status ends
The Trump administration has made the decision to end the protected status for thousands of Afghans who entered the U.S. after the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 under the Biden administration. This decision has sparked controversy and concern among immigrant advocacy groups and individuals affected by the policy change.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a designation given to individuals from countries that are experiencing war, natural disasters, or other dangerous conditions that make returning to their home country unsafe. This status provides protection from deportation and allows individuals to obtain work permits to support themselves and their families while living in the United States.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced that it will not be renewing TPS for Afghans, citing that the situation in Afghanistan no longer meets the criteria for the designation. This decision will impact more than 14,000 Afghans who are currently living in the U.S. under TPS protection. Additionally, thousands of Cameroonians are also expected to lose their TPS status.
The Biden administration had previously renewed TPS protections for Afghans in 2023, but the current decision to end the program has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of those affected. Shawn VanDriver, a military veteran and president of #AfghanEvac, expressed disagreement with the administration’s assessment, stating that conditions in Afghanistan have worsened since the U.S. withdrawal and that ending TPS for Afghans is cruel and unjust.
The deadline for the termination of TPS protections for Afghans is set for May, while Cameroonian protections will end in June. After these dates, individuals with TPS status will be at risk of deportation if they are unable to obtain an alternative legal status to remain in the country.
In response to the decision, immigrant advocacy groups and individuals affected by the policy change have called on the administration to reconsider and provide a pathway to permanent residency for those impacted. The fate of thousands of Afghans and Cameroonians now hangs in the balance as they face the uncertainty of their future in the United States.
It is essential for policymakers to consider the human impact of these decisions and work towards solutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of individuals who have sought refuge in the U.S. from dangerous conditions in their home countries. The debate over TPS for Afghans and Cameroonians highlights the complex challenges faced by immigrants in navigating the U.S. immigration system and the need for comprehensive reform to address these issues.
