The Trump administration has terminated Temporary Protected Status for nearly 15,000 Afghan migrants, triggering criticism from refugee advocates while unveiling heightened national security concerns behind the decision.
Quick Takes
- Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 14,600 Afghan refugees, effective July 12, 2025.
- The decision cites Afghanistan’s “improved security situation” and “stabilizing economy” as reasons the country no longer meets TPS requirements.
- DHS revealed that multiple TPS recipients are under investigation for fraud and potential threats to public safety and national security.
- The termination reverses protections granted under the Biden Administration, which resettled around 75,000 Afghans following the 2021 U.S. withdrawal.
- Reports of inadequate vetting during the initial Afghan resettlement have raised serious national security concerns.
Noem Cites National Security Concerns in TPS Decision
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s announcement marks a significant policy reversal from the Biden administration’s approach to Afghan refugees. The termination affects approximately 14,600 Afghans currently residing in the United States under TPS protections initially granted following the chaotic 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Secretary Noem emphasized that the decision followed a thorough review of conditions in Afghanistan, determining the country no longer meets the statutory requirements for TPS designation.
In a notable revelation, Noem stated that DHS records indicate multiple TPS recipients are currently under investigation for fraud and potential threats to American public safety and national security. This disclosure highlights serious concerns about vetting processes implemented during the initial Afghan resettlement operations. The administration has set May 20, 2025, as the expiration date for Afghan TPS, with the termination becoming fully effective on July 12, 2025.
Trump is ending Biden’s Temporary Protected Status for 100K Afghans that Joe brought in. Many of these people have been caught plotting against us. Fraud and threats to our public safety and national security. It’s time for them to return home. Biden brought them in, Trump is… pic.twitter.com/fMyVpYI9pz
— MAGA PATRIOT TGM (TERI) (@udreams30) May 12, 2025
Widespread Vetting Failures Exposed
The termination decision follows alarming reports of vetting failures during the Biden administration’s Afghan resettlement program. Department of Defense and DHS Inspector General reports highlighted significant lapses in security screening for evacuees. These shortcomings potentially allowed individuals with ties to terrorism and those who had previously targeted American troops to enter the United States. In a particularly troubling case, a 27-year-old Afghan man resettled through this program was arrested in Oklahoma for allegedly planning a terrorist attack.
Former Department of Defense officials have revealed that some unvetted Afghans brought to America were previously involved in placing improvised explosive devices targeting U.S. troops. Senator Chuck Grassley requested information from the Biden administration regarding Afghans with terrorism ties but reportedly received limited disclosure. These revelations suggest the resettlement program may have introduced significant security vulnerabilities, reinforcing the Trump administration’s current emphasis on enforcement and national security priorities.
Advocates Challenge Administration’s Assessment
Refugee rights groups have strongly criticized the decision, arguing it ignores ongoing humanitarian challenges in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. Critics contend that conditions remain dangerous for many Afghans, particularly women, religious minorities, and those with connections to the former U.S.-backed government. The nonprofit organization CASA has already filed a lawsuit challenging the termination, highlighting continued threats faced by Afghan nationals, especially those with U.S. ties.
The United Nations has documented the Taliban’s imposition of nearly 150 edicts restricting women’s rights, affecting education, employment, and social participation. Reports also indicate that over 3.4 million Afghans have returned or been deported since 2023, complicating the humanitarian landscape. However, the administration maintains that its primary responsibility is ensuring U.S. immigration programs do not compromise homeland security, particularly when evidence indicates potential abuse of humanitarian pathways.
Returning to Program’s Original Intent
This policy shift represents the Trump administration’s broader effort to restore what it describes as the “original temporary intent” of Temporary Protected Status. The program was designed to provide short-term relief during extraordinary circumstances in foreign countries, not permanent resettlement. Secretary Noem emphasized that reviewing TPS designations is a crucial component of restoring integrity to the American immigration system, particularly when conditions in designated countries have changed.
The DHS is required by law to review conditions in TPS-designated countries at least 60 days before program expiration. Following this review, officials determined Afghanistan’s improved security situation and economic stabilization no longer warrant TPS protection. The administration maintains this decision aligns with statutory requirements while addressing vital national security interests. For the affected Afghan nationals, this change means they must secure alternative legal status or prepare to return to Afghanistan after the termination date.
Sources:
Trump administration ending temporary protected status for Afghan nationals
DHS terminates Temporary Protected Status for 9,000 from Afghanistan living in U.S.
