Afghanistan regrets US move to end temporary protection for citizens

The Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed regret over the US Department of Homeland Security’s decision to terminate the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for Afghan citizens.

In a statement, the ministry emphasised that migration issues should not be used as a tool for political pressure. It noted that violations of immigration laws in other countries should be addressed through established legal procedures rather than collective measures.

The ministry also highlighted that over the past year, many Afghan citizens living in the United States have made positive contributions across various sectors.

د امريکا متحده ايالاتو وروستۍ پرېکړې په اړه د وياند څرګندونې: pic.twitter.com/NZH701A5jO

— Abdul Qahar Balkhi (@QaharBalkhi) March 10, 2026

Afghanistan expressed hope that, with Qatar’s mediation, dialogue with the US on consular services and related issues will continue, aiming to find practical solutions for Afghan citizens.

The ministry added that it is closely monitoring the situation and expects constructive engagement to achieve a fair and sustainable resolution of the matter.

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a humanitarian immigration program created by the US Congress that allows nationals from countries affected by ongoing armed conflict or disaster to live and work in the United States without fear of deportation.

Afghanistan was first designated for TPS in 2022 following the collapse of its government and widespread insecurity after the US withdrawal, and the status was later extended to allow tens of thousands of Afghan nationals in the US to remain legally due to those extraordinary conditions.

By Jeyhun Aghazada