On May 12, 2025, DHS announced that the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan will be terminated effective July 14, 2025. The current TPS designation for Afghanistan is scheduled to expire on May 20, 2025.
The Details
Afghanistan was initially designated for TPS by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on May 20, 2022. DHS subsequently extended TPS until May 20, 2025.
DHS regulations require that any rescission of TPS benefits be accompanied by a 60-day notice period. The TPS termination for Afghanistan was published in the Federal Register on May 13, 2025, resulting in an effective termination date of TPS benefits and work authorization on July 14, 2025.
A lawsuit challenging the legality of the TPS termination has been filed and remains pending.
Next Steps
· The Federal Register notice indicates that Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) granted to Afghan TPS beneficiaries will also be automatically extended through this 60-day notice period. Employers may therefore accept, for the purposes of form I-9 verification, any TPS EADs ( EADs with an A-12 or C-19 category) presented by Afghan beneficiaries with expiration dates of November 20, 2023, or May 20, 2025, as valid through July 14, 2025.
· After July 14, 2025, impacted employees will need to be reverified and employers must update Form I-9 as applicable.
· Impacted clients should consider consulting with counsel regarding their circumstances to develop risk mitigation strategies, communicate any changes to affected employees, and ensure all employment practices remain in compliance with immigration regulations.
· ADP will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.