News Summary
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced the end of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghan immigrants, raising concerns over the risk of deportation for thousands. Nearly 6,000 individuals in South Carolina are affected by this decision, which follows the Biden administration’s stance on improving conditions in Afghanistan. Advocacy groups argue that the situation remains dangerous, particularly for vulnerable populations such as women. As the implications of this policy change unfold, community leaders and immigrant advocacy groups are seeking avenues for relief and raising awareness about ongoing risks.
Columbia, South Carolina – U.S. Ends Temporary Protected Status for Afghan Immigrants, Raising Concerns of Deportation Risk
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced on May 12, 2025, that it is ending temporary protected status (TPS) for Afghan immigrants, a decision that significantly places thousands of individuals at risk of deportation. The TPS program provides temporary residency and work authorization to certain groups of immigrants from countries undergoing crises such as war or natural disasters.
Currently, nearly 6,000 individuals in South Carolina are under TPS guidelines, although the precise number of Afghans among them remains unclear. As the federal government revokes this status, many Afghans in South Carolina are concerned about their future and the potential consequences of the withdrawal.
Background on Temporary Protected Status
The TPS designation for Afghan nationals was first extended in 2021, following the U.S. military withdrawal and the subsequent takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban. Before this latest announcement, the TPS program had provided crucial protections to Afghans having fled conditions of violence and instability in their home country.
While some Afghan individuals in South Carolina possess special immigrant visas or asylum designations, which protect them from deportation, many others are left vulnerable by this new development. For example, Abdul Quayom Rahimi, a former governor of Afghanistan who resides in Irmo, South Carolina, is safeguarded by his special immigrant visa status.
Conditions in Afghanistan and Immigration Policy Debate
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem stated that conditions in Afghanistan have improved significantly, suggesting that returning to the country no longer poses a safety threat for immigrants. However, numerous refugee advocacy groups and individuals, including Rahimi, have contested this assertion, citing ongoing oppressive laws under the Taliban regime, especially regarding women’s rights.
Nationwide, over 8,000 Afghan immigrants face the risk of deportation due to the cessation of TPS, raising alarms among human rights advocates regarding the potential impact on these individuals and their families.
Political Context and Controversy
The Biden administration’s decision to revoke TPS aligns with the previous administration’s objectives aimed at combating perceived fraud within the immigration system. In light of the significant concerns regarding the welfare of Afghan immigrants, the Biden administration is reportedly considering potential exemptions for Afghan Christians who may face persecution upon returning to Afghanistan.
Multiple refugee nonprofit organizations have denounced the TPS cancellation, warning that it will endanger the lives of thousands who relied upon this status for safety. Leaders within these organizations emphasize the moral responsibility of the U.S. to protect individuals who have assisted the American effort in Afghanistan and who might now face severe repercussions.
Community Discussions and Future Implications
Rahimi has articulated concerns about the dire circumstances that women in Afghanistan would confront if deported, equating their potential treatment under Taliban rule to a state of “slavery.” He criticized the portrayal of the Taliban as a more moderate entity, urging that their history of violence continues to threaten many, including those who may be detained in Afghanistan.
As discussions surrounding TPS for Afghans unfold, the implications of this policy change remain significant for the South Carolina community and beyond. Immigrant advocacy groups, local leaders, and affected families are expected to pursue avenues for possible relief while raising awareness about the ongoing risks associated with returning to a politically volatile and hostile environment.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Trump Afghan Refugees South Carolina
- Wikipedia: Temporary Protected Status
- Columbia Missourian: Afghan Refugees Call Columbia Home
- Google Search: Afghan immigrants in South Carolina
- SC Daily Gazette: Nonprofit Helping Refugees in SC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Refugee
- KOMU: State Department Reviewing Visa Programs
- Google News: Afghan TPS status
