What’s New?
DHS Announces Termination of TPS for Afghanistan
On May 12, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security officially announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan, which will impact more than 9,000 individuals. TPS designation for Afghanistan is set to expire on May 20, with an effective date of July 14, 2025.
Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area CEO Kristyn Peck said, “This decision places our neighbors at risk of deportation to life-threatening conditions where they may face persecution or violence. It is a betrayal to Afghans who have supported U.S. missions and whose lives are at risk as a result. We urge the administration to reconsider this decision.”
What Else?
CASA Sues Administration to Protect TPS Holders
On May 7, 2025, CASA filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to protect Afghan and Cameroonian TPS holders. The suit challenges what CASA calls an ‘unlawful attempt’ to strip thousands of individuals of their lawful immigration status (CASA v. Noem).
Court Orders Compliance on Refugee Resettlement Rescinded
Separately, on May 5, a district court issued a compliance framework in Pacito vs. Trump requiring the administration to resume processing and resettling approximately 12,000 refugees who had been approved for admission prior to January 20, 2025. However, the framework was rescinded on May 15, following the Ninth Circuit Court’s second clarification order that further narrowed, on a case-by-case basis, which refugees could be resettled.
Despite Refugee Ban, White South Africans Arrive in U.S.
Despite ongoing restrictions on refugee admissions, on May 12, a charter plane carrying 59 white South Africans—many of them families with children—arrived at Dulles International Airport outside Washington, D.C. to be resettled in the United States. Read RCUSA’s statement.
What You Can Do:
Here are three easy action items to support neighbors and the community:
- Advocate. Use this click-to-email tool from RCUSA to urge Congress to support refugees and humanitarian protections.
- Donate. Support LSSNCA’s services for new neighbors.
- Attend. Join LSSNCA on June 17 and 18 for in-person panel discussions on carrying the legacy of welcome forward.
