US Democrats Seek to Restore Temporary Protection for Afghans Until 2029

DID Press: A group of Democratic members of the US House of Representatives has launched a legislative effort to restore Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghan nationals through July 1, 2029.

According to NBC News, the move comes amid concerns over the Trump administration’s plans to deport Afghan immigrants and asylum-seekers. Democratic Representatives Jason Crow and Sam Liccardo filed a discharge petition on November 9 to push the proposed legislation forward.

The petition had received 21 signatures as of November 9, but requires 218 signatures to force the measure to a vote in the House of Representatives.

The Trump administration terminated Afghanistan’s TPS designation in May 2025. The protection had initially been granted to Afghan nationals in 2022 under the Biden administration. Supporters of restoring the status have warned that returning Afghans to their home country could put their lives at risk.

The proposed legislation, known as the Afghanistan TPS Act of 2026, has received bipartisan support from members of Congress and more than 50 organizations, including Amnesty International USA. However, its passage through both the House and the Senate remains uncertain.