[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 91 (Tuesday, May 13, 2025)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20309-20312]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-08201]
[[Page 20309]]
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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
[CIS No. 2816-25; DHS Docket No. USCIS-2022-0004]
RIN 1615-ZB94
Termination of the Designation of Afghanistan for Temporary
Protected Status
AGENCY: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Department of
Homeland Security.
ACTION: Notice.
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SUMMARY: Through this notice, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
announces that the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) is
terminating the designation of Afghanistan for Temporary Protected
Status (TPS). The designation of Afghanistan is set to expire on May
20, 2025. After reviewing country conditions and consulting with
appropriate U.S. Government agencies, the Secretary determined that
Afghanistan no longer continues to meet the conditions for designation
for TPS. The Secretary therefore is terminating the TPS designation of
Afghanistan as required by statute. This termination is effective July
14, 2025. After July 14, 2025, nationals of Afghanistan (and aliens
having no nationality who last habitually resided in Afghanistan) who
have been granted TPS under Afghanistan's designation will no longer
have TPS.
DATES: The designation of Afghanistan for TPS is terminated, effective
at 11:59 p.m., local time, on July 14, 2025.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ren[aacute] Cutlip-Mason, Chief,
Humanitarian Affairs Division, Office of Policy and Strategy, U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security,
800-375-5283.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Abbreviations
CFR--Code of Federal Regulations
DHS--U.S. Department of Homeland Security
EAD--Employment Authorization Document
FR--Federal Register
Government--U.S. Government
INA--Immigration and Nationality Act
Secretary--Secretary of Homeland Security
TPS--Temporary Protected Status
USCIS--U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
U.S.C.--United States Code
What is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) authorizes the Secretary
of Homeland Security, after consultation with appropriate agencies of
the U.S. Government, to designate a foreign state (or part thereof) for
TPS if the Secretary determines that certain country conditions exist.
See INA sec. 244(b)(1), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(1). The determination whether
to designate any foreign state (or part thereof) for TPS is
discretionary, and there is no judicial review of ``any determination
of the [Secretary] with respect to the designation, or termination or
extension of a designation, of a foreign state'' for TPS. See INA sec.
244(b)(5)(A), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(5)(A). The Secretary, in her
discretion, may grant TPS to eligible nationals of that foreign state
(or aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in the
designated foreign state). See INA sec. 244(a)(1)(A), 8 U.S.C.
1254a(a)(1)(A).
At least 60 days before the expiration of a foreign state's TPS
designation or extension, the Secretary--after consultation with
appropriate U.S. Government agencies--must review the conditions in the
foreign state designated for TPS to determine whether they continue to
meet the conditions for the TPS designation. See INA sec. 244(b)(3)(A),
8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(A). If the Secretary does not determine that the
conditions in the foreign state no longer continue to meet the specific
statutory criteria for TPS designation, TPS will be extended for an
additional period of 6 months or, in the Secretary's discretion, 12 or
18 months. See INA sec. 244(b)(3)(A), (C), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(A),
(C). If the Secretary determines that the foreign state no longer meets
the conditions for TPS designation, the Secretary must terminate the
designation. See INA sec. 244(b)(3)(B), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(B). The
Secretary's review of TPS designations is not subject to judicial
review. See INA sec. 244(b)(5)(A), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(5)(A).
TPS is a temporary immigration benefit granted to eligible
nationals of a country designated for TPS under the INA, or to eligible
aliens without nationality who last habitually resided in the
designated country. During the TPS designation period, TPS
beneficiaries are eligible to remain in the United States, may not be
removed, and are authorized to work and obtain an Employment
Authorization Document (EAD) so long as they continue to meet the
requirements of TPS. TPS beneficiaries may also apply for and be
granted travel authorization as a matter of discretion. The granting of
TPS does not result in or lead to lawful permanent resident status or
any other immigration status. To qualify for TPS, beneficiaries must
demonstrate that they meet the eligibility standards described in
section 244(c)(2) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1254a(c)(2), in accordance with
the implementing regulations, see 8 CFR pts. 244, 1244. When the
Secretary terminates a country's TPS designation, beneficiaries return
to the same immigration status or category that they maintained before
TPS, if any (unless that status or category has since expired or been
terminated), or any other lawfully obtained immigration status or
category they received while registered for TPS, as long as it is still
valid on the date TPS terminates.
Designation of Afghanistan for TPS
Afghanistan was initially designated for TPS on May 20, 2022, based
on ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary
conditions.\1\ On September 25, 2023, DHS extended and newly designated
Afghanistan for a period of 18 months, beginning on November 21, 2023,
and ending on May 20, 2025.\2\
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\1\ See Designation of Afghanistan for Temporary Protected
Status, 87 FR 30976 (May 20, 2022).
\2\ See Extension and Redesignation of Afghanistan for Temporary
Protected Status, 88 FR 65728 (Sept. 25, 2023).
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Secretary's Authority To Terminate the Designation of Afghanistan for
TPS
At least 60 days before the expiration of a country's TPS
designation or extension, the Secretary--after consultation with
appropriate U.S. Government agencies--must review the conditions in a
foreign state designated for TPS to determine whether the conditions
for the TPS designation continue to be met. See INA sec. 244(b)(3)(A),
8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(A). If the Secretary determines that the foreign
state no longer meets the conditions for the TPS designation, the
Secretary shall terminate the designation. The termination may not take
effect earlier than 60 days after the date the Federal Register notice
of termination is published, or if later, the expiration of the most-
recent previous extension of the country designation. See INA
sec.244(b)(3)(B), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(B). The Secretary may determine
the appropriate effective date of the termination and the expiration of
any TPS-related documentation, such as EADs. See id.; see also INA sec.
244(d)(3), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(d)(3) (providing the Secretary the
discretionary ``option'' to allow for a
[[Page 20310]]
certain ``orderly transition'' period if she determines it to be
appropriate).
Reasons for the Secretary's Termination of the TPS Designation for
Afghanistan
Consistent with INA section 244(b)(3)(A), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(A),
after consulting with appropriate U.S. Government agencies, the
Secretary reviewed conditions in Afghanistan and considered whether
Afghanistan continues to meet the conditions for designation under INA
section 244(b)(1)(A) and (C), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(1)(A) and (C). The
Secretary specifically considered: (1) whether requiring the return of
Afghan nationals (and aliens having no nationality who last habitually
resided in Afghanistan) to Afghanistan poses a serious threat to their
personal safety due to an ongoing armed conflict, see INA 244(b)(1)(A),
8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(1)(A); (2) whether there are extraordinary and
temporary conditions that prevent Afghan nationals from returning in
safety, see INA 244(b)(1)(C), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(1)(C), and (3) whether,
despite any extraordinary and temporary conditions that may prevent
their safe return, permitting Afghan nationals to remain temporarily in
the United States is contrary to the national interest of the United
States, see INA 244(b)(1)(C), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(1)(C).\3\
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\3\ See also Exec. Order 14159, Protecting the American People
Against Invasion, sec. 16(b), 90 FR 8443, 8446 (Jan. 20, 2025)
(directing that the Secretary should ``ensur[e] that designations of
Temporary Protected Status are consistent with the provisions of
section 244 of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1254a), and that such designations
are appropriately limited in scope and made for only so long as may
be necessary to fulfill the textual requirements of that statute'').
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Based on her review and consultation with the Department of State,
the Secretary determined that, overall, there are notable improvements
in the security and economic situation such that requiring the return
of Afghan nationals to Afghanistan does not pose a threat to their
personal safety due to armed conflict or extraordinary and temporary
conditions. She further determined that permitting Afghan nationals to
remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to the national
interest of the United States.
Armed conflict, primarily between the Taliban and Islamic State's
Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO),
continues as a source of violence and instability in certain parts of
the country.\4\ Since 2021, the Taliban have actively fought back
against the various terrorist groups within its borders.\5\ Recent
reports show that there is no indication of systematic or scattered
combat in the country, that there is no place in Afghanistan where
armed opposition groups have an overt presence, and none of the groups
have been assessed to pose a real threat to Taliban rule.\6\ The United
Nations Assistance Mission to Afghanistan (UNAMA) recorded a year-over-
year reduction in the use of improvised explosive devices by 72
percent: from 65 to 18 uses.\7\ The Armed Conflict Location and Event
Data Project (ACLED) also reported a drop in overall attacks against
civilians, compared with 2022.\8\ And there is a reported decrease in
armed conflict since the end of the Taliban's insurgency.\9\ While
threats of violence and terrorism remain, large-scale violence is at
its lowest level in decades.\10\
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\4\ ISIS-K is also known as the Islamic State in Khorasan
Province (ISKP). See, Afghanistan--Country Focus, Country of Origin
Information Report, European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), Nov.
2024, available at https://euaa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/publications/2024-11/2024_11_EUAA_COI_Report_Afghanistan_Country_Focus_0.pdf, (last
visited Apr. 09, 2025).
\5\ Instability in Afghanistan, Global Conflict Tracker, Center
for Preventative Action, Feb. 12, 2025, available at https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/war-afghanistan (last
visited: Apr. 02, 2025).
\6\ Afghanistan--Country Focus, Country of Origin Information
Report, European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), Nov. 2024,
available at https://euaa.europa.eu/sites/default/files/publications/2024-11/2024_11_EUAA_COI_Report_Afghanistan_Country_Focus_0.pdf, (last
visited Apr. 09, 2025).
\7\ Country Reports on Terrorism 2023, Afghanistan, Bureau of
Counterterrorism, U.S. Department of State, Dec. 12, 2024, https://www.state.gov/reports/country-reports-on-terrorism-2023/afghanistan
(last visited Apr. 02, 2025).
\8\ Country Reports on Terrorism 2023, Afghanistan, Bureau of
Counterterrorism, U.S. Department of State, Dec. 12, 2024, https://www.state.gov/reports/country-reports-on-terrorism-2023/afghanistan
(last visited Apr. 02, 2025).
\9\ Belquis Ahmadi, Joyana Richer, Jill Baggerman, William Byrd,
Ph.D. & Scott Worden, Where is Afghanistan Three Years into Taliban
Rule? U.S. Institute of Peace, Sept. 19, 2024, available at https://web.archive.org/web/20240926191614/https://www.usip.org/publications/2024/09/where-afghanistan-three-years-taliban-rule
(last visited Apr. 04, 2025).
\10\ Belquis Ahmadi, Joyana Richer, Jill Baggerman, William
Byrd, Ph.D. & Scott Worden, Where is Afghanistan Three Years into
Taliban Rule? U.S. Institute of Peace, Sept. 19, 2024, available at
https://web.archive.org/web/20240926191614/https://www.usip.org/publications/2024/09/where-afghanistan-three-years-taliban-rule
(last visited Apr. 04, 2025).
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Additionally, though humanitarian need remains prevalent, the
number of those in need of assistance has declined to 23.7 million this
year, a decrease from the more than 29 million Afghan nationals in need
reported the previous year.\11\ Furthermore, in 2023 and 2024,
Afghanistan's economy began to show a Gross Domestic Product growth of
2.7%, which was primarily driven by private consumption.\12\ This sign
of recovery, coupled with falling food prices, higher monetary deposits
from out of country, and ongoing humanitarian aid, has contributed to a
gradual improvement in household welfare, particularly in rural
areas.\13\
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\11\ Akmal Dawi, Humanitarian Needs in Afghanistan Improve
Slightly, Millions Still in Crisis, Voice of American (VOA), Mar.
25, 2024, available at https://www.voanews.com/a/humanitarian-needs-in-afghanistan-improve-slightly-millions-still-in-crisis/7542014.html (last visited Feb. 24, 2025).
\12\ The World Bank in Afghanistan: Overview, World Bank Group,
Feb. 09, 2025, available at https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/afghanistan/overview (last visited Feb. 24, 2025).
\13\ The World Bank in Afghanistan: Overview, World Bank Group,
Feb. 09, 2025, available at https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/afghanistan/overview (last visited Feb. 24, 2025); Afghanistan
Development Update, The World Bank, Dec. 2024, pg.12, available at
https://thedocs.worldbank.org/en/doc/126f9684f0c7ff20248c0c7bf45ccccd-0310012024/afghanistan-development-update-december-2024 (last visited Feb. 24, 2025).
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The Taliban government is promoting tourism to shift its global
image.\14\ Tourism to Afghanistan has increased, as the rates of
kidnappings have reduced.\15\ In 2021, there were 691 foreign tourists;
in 2022, that figure rose to 2,300 and continued to rise to 7,000 in
2023.\16\ Foreign visitors, particularly from China, have increased by
913% since the Taliban took control of the country in August 2021.\17\
Tourists are sharing their experiences on social media, highlighting
the peaceful countryside, welcoming locals, and the cultural heritage,
according to some reports.\18\
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\14\ Afghanistan--wish you were here? The Taliban do, Flora
Drury, BBC News, July 20, 2024, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cv223yvnp9mo (last visited Apr. 02, 2025).
\15\ Belquis Ahmadi, Joyana Richer, Jill Baggerman, William
Byrd, Ph.D. & Scott Worden, Where is Afghanistan Three Years into
Taliban Rule? U.S. Institute of Peace, Sept. 19, 2024, available at
https://web.archive.org/web/20240926191614/https://www.usip.org/publications/2024/09/where-afghanistan-three-years-taliban-rule
(last visited Apr. 04, 2025).
\16\ The Taliban are working to woo tourists to Afghanistan,
Riazat Butt, AP News, Apr. 30, 2024, https://apnews.com/article/afghanistan-taliban-tourism-women-7acb04bb78dd779e763a337790113cec
(last visited Apr. 02, 2025).
\17\ Chinese tourists are now travelling to . . . Afghanistan?!
Travel Weekly Asia, Nov. 13, 2024, available at https://www.travelweekly-asia.com/Destination-Travel/Chinese-tourists-are-now-travelling-to-Afghanistan (last visited Feb. 24, 2025).
\18\ Chinese tourists are now travelling to . . . Afghanistan?!
Travel Weekly Asia, Nov. 13, 2024, available at https://www.travelweekly-asia.com/Destination-Travel/Chinese-tourists-are-now-travelling-to-Afghanistan (last visited Feb. 24, 2025).
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By statute, the Secretary is prohibited from designating a country
for TPS or
[[Page 20311]]
extending a TPS designation on the basis of extraordinary and temporary
conditions if she finds that ``permitting the aliens to remain
temporarily in the United States is contrary to the national interest
of the United States.'' \19\ ``National interest'' is an expansive
standard that may encompass an array of broad considerations, including
foreign policy, public safety (e.g., potential nexus to criminal gang
membership), national security, migration factors (e.g., pull factors),
immigration policy (e.g., enforcement prerogatives), and economic
considerations (e.g., adverse effects on U.S. workers, impact on U.S.
communities).\20\ Determining whether permitting a class of aliens to
remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to the U.S.
national interest therefore calls upon the Secretary's expertise and
discretionary judgment, informed by her consultations with appropriate
U.S. Government agencies.
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\19\ See INA 244(b)(1), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(1).
\20\ See, e.g., Poursina v. USCIS, 936 F.3d 868, 874 (9th Cir.
2019) (observing, in an analogous INA context, ``that the `national
interest' standard invokes broader economic and national-security
considerations, and such determinations are firmly committed to the
discretion of the Executive Branch--not to federal courts'' (citing
Trump v. Hawaii, 585 U.S. 667, 684-86 (2018)); Flores v. Garland, 72
F.4th 85, 89-90 (5th Cir. 2023) (same); Brasil v. Sec'y, Dep't of
Homeland Sec., 28 F.4th 1189, 1193 (11th Cir. 2022) (same); cf.
Matter of D-J-, 23 I&N Dec. 572, 579-81 (A.G. 2003) (recognizing
that taking measures to stem and eliminate possible incentives for
potential large-scale migration from a given country is ``sound
immigration policy'' and an ``important national security
interest''); Matter of Dhanasar, 26 I&N Dec. 884, 890-91 (AAO 2016)
(taking into account impact on U.S. workers in ``national interest''
assessments).
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In E.O. 14159, the President referenced the ``[m]illions of illegal
aliens [who] crossed our borders or were permitted to fly directly into
the United States on commercial flights and allowed to settle in
American communities, in violation of longstanding Federal laws.'' \21\
Additionally, President Trump clearly articulated an array of policy
imperatives bearing upon the national interest in his recent
immigration and border-related executive orders and proclamations. In
E.O. 14159, President Trump underscored that enforcing the immigration
laws ``is critically important to the national security and public
safety of the United States.'' \22\ In furtherance of that objective,
the President directed the Secretary, along with the Attorney General
and Secretary of State, to promptly take all appropriate action,
consistent with law, to rescind policies that led to increased or
continued presence of illegal aliens in the United States.\23\ The
directed actions include ensuring that the TPS designations are
consistent with the TPS statute and ``made for only so long as may be
necessary to fulfill the textual requirements of that statute.'' \24\
The Department has considered the national interest factors and
determined that continuing to permit Afghan nationals (and aliens
having no nationality who last habitually resided in Afghanistan) to
reside in the United States on TPS would be inconsistent with E.O.
14159 and otherwise contrary to the U.S. national interest, especially
in light of the Secretary's determination that they may return in
safety.
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\21\ 90 FR 8443 (Jan. 20, 2025).
\22\ E.O. 14159, Protecting the American People Against
Invasion, sec. 1, 90 FR 8443, 8443 (Jan. 20, 2025).
\23\ Id., sec. 16, 90 FR 8446.
\24\ Id., sec. 16(b), 90 FR 8446.
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In addition, DHS records indicate that there are Afghan nationals
who are TPS recipients who have been the subject of administrative
investigations for fraud, public safety, and national security. The
Secretary accordingly took account of those cases in making her
determination.
The Secretary also consulted with the Department of State regarding
the foreign policy interests of the United States and agreed that
continuing to permit the Afghan nationals to remain temporarily in the
United States would not be consistent with the U.S. national interest.
Moreover, as the President directed in Executive Order 14150, ``the
foreign policy of the United States shall champion core American
interests and always put America and American citizens first.'' \25\
Continuing to permit these Afghan nationals to remain in the United
States does not champion core American interests or put American
interests first. U.S. foreign policy interests are best served and
protected by curtailing policies that facilitate or encourage
destabilizing migration.
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\25\ America First Policy Directive to the Secretary of State,
90 FR 8337 (Jan. 20, 2025); see also, e.g., U.S. Dep't of State,
Priorities and Mission of the Second Trump Administration's
Department of State (Jan. 24, 2025), https://pa.usembassy.gov/priorities-and-mission-of-the-second-trump-administrations-department-of-state/.
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DHS estimates that there are approximately 11,700 nationals of
Afghanistan (and aliens having no nationality who last habitually
resided in Afghanistan) who hold TPS under Afghanistan's
designation.\26\ Afghan nationals who have obtained another immigration
benefit apart from TPS, including parole, will retain that immigration
benefit unless otherwise notified. Furthermore, DHS recognizes that
certain Afghan nationals may have legitimate protection claims under
the INA and reiterates that the statutory periodic review requires the
consideration of whether conditions for a TPS designation continue to
be met. As discussed, Afghanistan no longer continues to meet the
conditions for the TPS designation, and TPS is not a substitute for
seeking long-term, permanent protection in the United States.
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\26\ As of April 7, 2025, approximately 3,600 of these nationals
of Afghanistan (and aliens having no nationality who last habitually
resided in Afghanistan) are also approved as Lawful Permanent
Residents. Data queried by Department of Homeland Security, U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration Services, Office of Performance and
Quality (Apr. 2025).
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Effective Date of Termination of the TPS Designation
The TPS statute provides that the termination of a country's TPS
designation may not be effective earlier than 60 days after the Federal
Register notice is published or, if later, the expiration of the most-
recent previous extension. See INA sec. 244(b)(3)(B), 8 U.S.C.
1254a(b)(3)(B).
The Secretary may determine the appropriate effective date of the
termination and the expiration of any TPS-related documentation, such
as EADs, for the purpose of providing for an orderly transition. See
id.; see also INA sec. 244(d)(3), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(d)(3). Given the
Secretary's finding that there is reduction in armed conflict, that the
return of Afghan nationals does not pose a threat to their personal
safety, that the conditions that precipitated the designation are no
longer met, and that permitting Afghan nationals to remain temporarily
in the United States is contrary to the national interest of the United
States, the Secretary has determined a 60-day transition period is
sufficient. Accordingly, the termination of the Afghanistan TPS
designation will be effective 60 days from this notice's publication
date.\27\
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\27\ See 8 CFR 244.19 (``Upon the termination of designation of
a foreign state, those nationals afforded temporary Protected Status
shall, upon the sixtieth (60th) day after the date notice of
termination is published in the Federal Register, or on the last day
of the most recent extension of designation by the [Secretary of
Homeland Security], automatically and without further notice or
right of appeal, lose Temporary Protected Status in the United
States. Such termination of a foreign state's designation is not
subject to appeal.'').
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However, DHS recognizes that Afghanistan TPS beneficiaries continue
to be employment authorized during the 60-day transition period.\28\
Accordingly, through this Federal Register notice, DHS automatically
extends the validity of certain EADs previously issued under
[[Page 20312]]
the TPS designation of Afghanistan through July 14, 2025. Therefore, as
proof of continued employment authorization through July 14, 2025, TPS
beneficiaries can show their EADs that have the notation A-12 or C-19
under Category and a ``Card Expires'' date of November 20, 2023, or May
20, 2025.
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\28\ See INA 244(a)(1)(B), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(a)(1)(B); see also 8
CFR 244.13(b).
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The Secretary has considered putative reliance interests in the
Afghanistan TPS designation, especially when considering whether to
allow for an additional transition period akin to that allowed under
certain previous TPS terminations. Temporary Protected Status, as the
name itself makes clear, is an inherently temporary status. TPS
designations are time-limited and must be periodically reviewed. See
INA sec. 244(b)(3), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3). TPS notices clearly notify
aliens of the designations' expiration dates, and whether to allow for
an orderly transition period is left to the Secretary's unfettered
discretion. See INA sec. 244(b)(3), (d)(3); 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3),
(d)(3). Additionally, Afghanistan has only been designated for TPS
since May 20, 2022, thus many Afghanistan TPS beneficiaries lack the
longer periods of residence in the United States that beneficiaries
from other countries had.\29\ DHS has determined that any putative
reliance interests are outweighed by the overriding national interests
described in this notice.
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\29\ DHS recognizes that certain previous TPS terminations
allowed for an extended transition, especially in the case of TPS
designations that had been extended numerous times over the course
of many years. See, e.g., Termination of the Designation of El
Salvador for Temporary Protected Status, 83 FR 2654 (Jan. 18, 2018)
(nearly 17 years, with 18-month transition period); Termination of
the Designation of Sudan for Temporary Protected Status, 82 FR 47228
(Oct. 11, 2017) (20 years, with 12-month orderly transition period);
Termination of the Designation of Sierra Leone Under the Temporary
Protected Status Program; Extension of Employment Authorization
Documentation, 68 FR 52407 (Sept. 3, 2003) (nearly 6 years, with 6-
month orderly transition period); Six-Month Extension of Temporary
Protected Status Benefits for Orderly Transition Before Termination
of Liberia's Designation for Temporary Protected Status, 81 FR 66059
(Sept. 26, 2016) (nearly 2 years, with 6-month orderly transition
period). Those countries, however, generally had been designated for
TPS for longer periods. At the same time, certain other TPS
designations were terminated without allowing for an extended
transition period. See, e.g., Termination of Designation of Angola
Under the Temporary Protected Status Program, 68 FR 3896 (Jan. 27,
2003) (nearly 3 years, no orderly transition period); Termination of
Designation of Lebanon Under Temporary Protected Status Program, 58
FR 7582 (Feb. 8, 1993) (2 years, no extended transition period).
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Notice of Termination of the TPS Designation of Afghanistan
By the authority vested in the Secretary of Homeland Security under
INA section 244(b)(3), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3), and in consultation with
appropriate agencies of the U.S. Government, I have reviewed conditions
in Afghanistan and considered (a) whether the return of its nationals
(and aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in
Afghanistan) would pose a serious threat to their personal safety due
to ongoing armed conflict; and (b) whether there are extraordinary and
temporary conditions that prevent Afghan nationals from returning in
safety, and whether permitting the Afghan nationals (and aliens having
no nationality who last habitually resided in Afghanistan) to remain
temporarily in the United States is contrary to the national interest
of the United States. Based on my review, I have determined that
Afghanistan no longer continues to meet the conditions for the
designation for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under INA section
244(b)(1)(A), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(1)(A), or INA section 244(b)(1)(C), 8
U.S.C. 1254a(b)(1)(C).
Accordingly, I order as follows:
(1) Pursuant to INA section 244(b)(3)(B), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(B),
and considering INA section 244(d)(3), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(d)(3), the
designation of Afghanistan for TPS is terminated effective at 11:59
p.m., local time, on July 14, 2025.
(2) Information concerning the termination of TPS for nationals of
Afghanistan (and aliens having no nationality who last habitually
resided in Afghanistan) will be available at local USCIS offices upon
publication of this Notice and through the USCIS Contact Center at 1-
800-375-5283. This information will be published on the USCIS website
at www.USCIS.gov.
Kristi Noem,
Secretary of Homeland Security.
[FR Doc. 2025-08201 Filed 5-12-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9111-97-P