TPS grants temporary legal residence to individuals from countries deemed unsafe. In the case of Afghanistan, where the Taliban have imposed sweeping restrictions on women’s rights since 2021, critics say removing protections amounts to state-enabled harm.

Afghan women are banned from secondary and university education, barred from most employment, and face severe limitations on movement and healthcare. The United Nations and rights groups have described the situation as “gender apartheid.” Human Rights Watch has previously concluded that the Taliban are committing crimes against humanity through gender persecution.

The termination of TPS comes just days after the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for two senior Taliban leaders linked to systematic abuses against women. Advocates argue this context further underscores the threat facing deported Afghans.

Humanitarian And Family Impact Raises Concerns

Beyond human rights concerns, advocates warn the policy could lead to family separations. Many Afghans with TPS status have children who are US citizens. Without legal protection, parents may be forced to either leave them behind or take them back to a repressive and dangerous environment.

TPS is designed for people who cannot safely return to their home countries due to ongoing conflict, disasters, or extraordinary conditions. Human Rights Watch has urged the US government to reconsider the termination and reinstate protections.

“The termination of these protections will force Afghans to confront unimaginable risk,” the group stated.