Afghanistan Designated for Temporary Protected Status

On May 19, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) registration process for Afghanistan. DHS previously announced that Afghans residing in the US since March 15, 2022, would be eligible for TPS protection. The announcement clarifies that Afghan nationals who arrived as part of the evacuation effort and were paroled into the United States are eligible for TPS.

USCIS began accepting TPS applications for Afghans on May 20, 2022. All individuals who want to request TPS under the designation of Afghanistan must apply. About 72,500 Afghans will be eligible for TPS under the designation. 

DHS is also suspending certain regulatory requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Afghanistan (or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Afghanistan) and who are experiencing severe economic hardship due to the situation in Afghanistan. The notice was published in the Federal Register on May 20 and is effective through November 20, 2022.

Erickson Insights

As COVID-19 continues to evolve, guidance from government agencies and health advisories is subject to change.

Erickson Immigration Group will continue to share updates as more news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.