In addition to the improving situation in Afghanistan, Noem cited domestic security concerns behind the decision to terminate the protected status of Afghans in the United States.
On Monday, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the termination of “temporary protected status” (TPS) for thousands of Afghans in the United States—the overwhelming majority of whom fled the country after the Taliban takeover in August 2021.
At least for the time being, however, the termination of protected status does not directly affect Afghans who fought alongside the U.S. military and the NATO coalition against the Taliban and al-Qaeda and sought “special immigrant visas” (SIVs) in the United States. It simply means that Afghans who would otherwise have been eligible for deportation, but were blocked by a determination that Afghanistan was unsafe to return to, may once again be removed.
Afghans’ Protected Status Terminated
The temporary protected status for Afghanistan is set to expire on May 20. Following the reappraisal of the security situation in the country by the Department of Homeland Security, Afghans in the U.S. will lose their protected status starting on July 12.
“This administration is returning TPS to its original temporary intent,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem in a statement. The DHS head cited an improvement in the living conditions and security situation in Afghanistan as the reason for terminating the protected status of Afghans in the United States.
“We’ve reviewed the conditions in Afghanistan with our interagency partners, and they do not meet the requirements for a TPS designation. Afghanistan has had an improved security situation, and its stabilizing economy no longer prevents them from returning to their home country,” Noem stated.
In addition to the improving situation in Afghanistan, Noem cited domestic security concerns behind the decision to terminate the protected status of Afghans in the United States.
“Additionally, the termination furthers the national interest as DHS records indicate that there are recipients who have been under investigation for fraud and threatening our public safety and national security,” Noem said. “Reviewing TPS designations is a key part of restoring integrity in our immigration system.”
It goes without saying that U.S. national security at home and abroad is seen as America’s foremost priority under the Trump administration.
A Bad Precedent for Foreign Allies?
Following the surprise fall of Kabul to the Taliban forces in August 2021, thousands of Afghans, many of whom had fought alongside or helped the U.S. military and its allies, attempted to flee the country and the wrath of the Taliban. After much stress and personal sacrifices, many of them succeeded in coming to the United States. Here, they received protected status in recognition of the new realities in their home country, as well as their contribution to the U.S.-led effort in Afghanistan. Notably, Afghans who fought alongside the U.S. military were given “special immigrant visas” (SIVs), which are more permanent than temporary protected status.
Despite spending over $2 trillion and many casualties, America’s war in Afghanistan ultimately failed to achieve its objectives. The Taliban regained power after 20 years of bitter fighting, and terrorist enclaves in the country are free to grow once more.
This is not the first nor the last time that the United States will need the assistance of a local population to achieve military, intelligence, or foreign policy objectives. Maintaining magnanimity in defeat and loyalty to those who lost their homes and relatives, as well as helping the U.S. military, is important both morally and practically. At some point in the future, Washington might once more find itself in need of help from locals in a particular country. In that sense, how it treats the Afghans now could make a big difference later.
About the Author: Stavros Atlamazoglou
Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from the Johns Hopkins University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.
Image: Shutterstock / AlexiRosenfeld.
