President Donald Trump’s administration has determined that Afghanistan is safe to return to. Veterans in Congress aren’t so sure — particularly for people who helped U.S. troops and could now face deportation.
On Monday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced an end to temporary protected status for Afghans in the U.S., saying the nation’s “improved security situation” means those protections should no longer apply. Currently more than 9,000 Afghans have TPS, some of whom helped the U.S. government during its long engagement with the country.
Many veterans in Congress said they were concerned about the potential that Afghans who have helped the U.S. could lose their protections and be sent back to dangerous conditions.