SAN ANTONIO, Texas– The Trump administration has announced plans to end the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghan refugees, affecting about 11,000 individuals across the United States, including many in San Antonio, Texas.
TPS was granted to Afghan nationals to provide refuge from the Taliban and threats of violence in Afghanistan. It allowed them to live and work in the U.S. without fear of deportation.
However, the administration’s decision means the status will expire on May 20, 2025, with the official termination set for July 12, 2025. After that, affected individuals will need to find alternative legal ways to stay in the U.S. or face potential deportation.
Many Afghan refugees in San Antonio have become an integral part of the community, contributing to the local economy. The looming expiration of TPS has raised concerns among local officials, humanitarian groups, and the Afghan community about the impact on these individuals and their families.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims that conditions in Afghanistan have improved enough for safe return, but critics argue that security and humanitarian issues persist in the country.
As the expiration deadline approaches, advocates are continuing efforts to seek legal avenues to protect Afghan refugees in the U.S. The outcome will affect thousands of individuals who have sought refuge and stability in the country.