The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may designate a country for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) when conditions in that country prevent the safe return of its nationals due to the following temporary conditions in the country:
- Ongoing armed conflict
- An environmental disaster or an epidemic
- Other extraordinary and temporary conditions
On March 16, 2022, DHS announced the designation of Afghanistan for TPS for a period of 18 months.
What does this mean for Afghanistan nationals?
For Afghanistan nationals to be eligible for TPS, they must have continuously resided in the United States since March 15, 2022. Afghanistan nationals who travel to the United States after March 15, 2022, will not be eligible for TPS.
Afghanistan’s TPS designation will go into effect on the publication date of the forthcoming Federal Register notice. The notice will also provide instructions as to how Afghanistan nationals can apply for TPS along with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements as well as undergo security and background checks.
During the designated period, Afghans who are TPS beneficiaries are afforded the following immigration benefits:
- May not be removed from the United States
- Eligible for an employment authorization document (EAD)
- May be granted travel authorization
What other nationalities have been approved for TPS status?
Currently, nationals of Burma (Myanmar), El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Yemen are eligible for TPS status.