Nearly six months after the Taliban seized power of Afghanistan after the withdraw of U.S. troops from the country, DHS announces Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghan nationals. On March 16, 2022, Secretary Mayorkas announced TPS designation for Afghanistan for 18 months. TPS is meant to offer protection to Afghan nationals “who are already living in the United States from returning to unsafe conditions” caused by ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions.

This designation is also meant to provide added protection to Afghans who have provided aid to U.S. military missions in Afghanistan.  

Additionally, TPS will be available to Afghan nationals who entered the U.S. after the mass exodus from the country and were admitted and paroled into the U.S. for humanitarian reasons. Eligibility will only be available to those who entered the U.S. on or before March 15, 2022. Once approved, applicants will be protected from removal and temporary work authorization. Application instructions will be outlined in the Federal Registrar.