CCUSA commends designation of Afghanistan for Temporary Protected Status

Migrants and Refugees

March 16, 2022

Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) applauds today’s decision by the Department of Homeland Security to designate Afghanistan for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. This designation will protect Afghans already residing in the United States as of March 15, 2022, and permit them to remain in the U.S. instead of returning to their homeland amid unsafe conditions.

TPS is a temporary legal status offered to nationals of certain countries who already reside in the U.S. when returning to their home countries would be unsafe due to ongoing armed conflict, natural disaster, or other extraordinary, temporary conditions.

Catholic Charities agencies have collaborated with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the federal government to provide food, shelter and other services to help safely resettle the more than 75,000 Afghans who have arrived in the U.S. since August 2021.

While we laud this TPS decision, we recognize that it is only a short-term solution. Afghan individuals and families have been uprooted from their homes and may not be able to return safely under Taliban rule. We urge Congress to pass an Afghan Adjustment Act to provide a path to Lawful Permanent Resident status for Afghans who need a safe place to rebuild their lives.