UNITED STATES GRANTS TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS FOR AFGHAN CITIZENS

By: Navdeep Meamber

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced an 18-month Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Afghan citizens living in the United States since March 15, 2022. TPS for Afghan nationals will take effect once it is published in the Federal Register.

TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS
The TPS designation aims to help all those affected by the mass evacuation from Afghanistan. Afghan nationals are eligible for TPS if they have resided continuously in the US since March 15, 2022 and meet other requirements, such as security and background checks. Individuals on TPS are eligible for work authorization and stay of removal for a period of 18 months. When the designation expires, these individuals will need to apply for another visa type to remain in the United States.

Afghan nationals paroled in the US as part of the Operation Allies Welcome program may be eligible for TPS if they meet other requirements.

DHS will soon release more information on how Afghan nationals can file for TPS and apply for an employment authorization document.

CONCLUSION
For help filing a TPS application or exploring other visa options, please contact your trusted Chugh, LLP immigration professional.