DHS Designates TPS for Ukraine and Afghanistan

This month, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the designation of Ukraine and Afghanistan for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months.

For Ukrainian applicants, only individuals who are already residing in the United States as of March 1, 2022, will be eligible for TPS. For Afghan applicants, only individuals who were already residing in the United States as of March 15, 2022, will be eligible. Those who are outside the United States and attempt to travel to the United States after these dates will not be eligible for TPS.

DHS has designated both countries due to ongoing armed conflict and unsafe and unstable conditions—Ukraine due to invasion by Russian forces, and Afghanistan due to attacks by the Taliban and the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K).

The 18-month designation will go into effect on the publication date of the next Federal Register notice, and that notice will provide instructions for applying for TPS and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Ukrainian and Afghan nationals present in the United States should consult with a qualified immigration attorney about their eligibility for TPS and about possible eligibility for any other immigration status or benefit that may allow them to reside in the United States lawfully.