This article was prepared with the assistance of ABIL, the Alliance of Business Immigration Lawyers, of which Loan Huynh, Fredrikson Immigration Department Chair, is a member.
On September 21, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the extension and redesignation of Afghanistan for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from November 21, 2023, to May 20, 2025. The extension and redesignation are based upon a review of country conditions and ongoing armed conflict in Afghanistan.
Current beneficiaries under TPS for Afghanistan must re-register during the 60-day registration period from September 25, 2023, to November 24, 2023. DHS will automatically extend the validity of EADs previously issued under Afghanistan’s TPS designation through November 20, 2024.
USCIS will continue to process pending applications under the previous TPS designation for Afghanistan, including associated EAD applications, and applicants do not need to resubmit their applications. USCIS will accept new applications during the initial registration period from September 25, 2023, to May 20, 2025. Afghan nationals who were granted parole under Operation Allies Welcome, or re-parole, may apply for and receive TPS, if eligible.
Also on September 21, 2023, DHS announced Special Student Relief for Afghanistan, effective November 21, 2023, to May 20, 2025. Notice will be published in the Federal Register on September 25, 2023.
