Thousands of Afghan refugees who fled to the U.S. after the Taliban‘s return to power are now facing possible deportation under the Trump administration’s sweeping anti-immigration policies. Many of these individuals, including former allies of U.S. forces, are grappling with the threat of losing their legal protections.
The administration has removed Afghanistan from the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) list, effectively revoking deportation protections and work authorization for thousands. The loss of TPS will take effect on July 14, intensifying fear among Afghan communities already traumatized by the Taliban’s return.
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“They would choose suicide over being tortured and killed by the Taliban,” said Shir Agha Safi, director of Afghan Partners in Des Moines, Iowa, where hundreds of Afghan families resettled. Some community members, he noted, are too afraid to speak publicly about their fears.
TPS was originally granted in 2022, recognizing the dangers of returning to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. But Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem argued recently that the country has stabilized, citing reduced kidnappings and rising tourism as justification. Critics say these claims overlook the harsh reality.
A U.S. Institute of Peace report, partially quoted by the administration, indeed mentions tourism but primarily describes Afghanistan as a lawless state where “the rule of law has been replaced by the rule of force.” The U.S. State Department still advises: “Do not travel to Afghanistan due to civil unrest, terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.”
Bipartisan criticism has emerged over the decision. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) called the move “a historic betrayal,” warning that revoking TPS would expose Afghans to persecution, violence, and death.
In California, State Senator Aisha Wahab, the first Afghan American woman elected to office, condemned the action:
“Afghanistan is a country without basic rights, justice, or humanitarian support. Sending people back there is deeply irresponsible.”
The U.S. government claims that those fearing persecution can apply for asylum. However, immigration courts are overwhelmed, with over 3.5 million pending cases and wait times stretching up to 636 days. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is encouraging those whose TPS ends to voluntarily leave through the CBP Home program, offering free one-way plane tickets and $1,000 in relocation assistance.
For many, leaving isn’t an option. Jill Marie Bussey of Global Refuge, a nonprofit helping Afghan immigrants, says work authorization tied to TPS is the only way families can support loved ones back home.
“Protection from deportation is the center, but losing work authorization would be devastating.”
One of her clients fears losing contact with his wife and four-year-old daughter, whom he’s never met. Thousands more are in similar limbo, waiting for asylum decisions or Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) approvals—a process plagued by delays and backlogs.
Since 2021, nearly 22,000 Afghans have applied for asylum, with almost 20,000 granted so far. But many who worked directly with the U.S. military or government are still waiting for SIV approval, hesitant to apply for asylum because of perceived contradictions or loyalty to U.S. promises.
“They were promised green cards based on their allyship,” Bussey said. “For them, applying for asylum feels like a betrayal.”
Despite repeated inquiries, the Department of Homeland Security has not disclosed how many Afghans with TPS have been granted other forms of legal status.
With deportations looming, advocates, lawmakers, and Afghan families are calling for immediate legislative and humanitarian action to honor commitments made and protect those at risk of return to a country still ravaged by repression.
