DHS Announces Temporary Protected Status for Afghanistan
On March 16, 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced an 18-month Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Afghanistan. Individuals from Afghanistan that have been continuously residing in the U.S. since March 15, 2022, may be eligible to apply for TPS per the forthcoming instructions to be posted at the Federal Register.
TPS is granted by U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) to individuals from certain countries that the Secretary of Homeland Security has identified as experiencing conditions which prevent it from safely accepting the return of its nationals. Once granted, TPS generally provides the foreign national with temporary protection from removal from the U.S. and expansion of employment eligibilities. The details of TPS eligibility, application procedures, and resulting benefits are specific to each TPS country designation. Learn more about TPS on the USCIS website or NAFSA: Association for International Educators website.
The Office of International Services will continue to monitor DHS actions in response to the crisis in Afghanistan and update the UIC community when new information or options become available. Until then, we welcome your questions or comments at ois@uic.edu or (312) 996-3121.