Updates
Current Situation
November 29, 2025:
At a U.S. port of entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) continues to process Afghan allies with SIVs.
-Current guidance: June 4, 2025, Exemption for Afghan allies with the Presidential Proclamation "Restricting The Entry of Foreign Nationals To Protect The United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.
Link: Restricting The Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats – The White House
November 29, 2025:
Other nations' immigration and customs clearance at departure airports remains available provided that the traveler presents: (1) a valid U.S. visa, (2) a valid Afghan passport, and (3) lawful immigration status in the country of departure. Travelers must comply with all host‑country exit requirements and U.S. entry conditions.
November 28, 2025:
The Secretary of State announced that the Afghan SIV program is paused, effectively freezing new visa issuance for Afghan nationals. SIV processing remains paused. No new SIVs will be issued at this time.
Link: Special Immigrant Visas for Afghans - Who Were Employed by/on Behalf of the U.S. Government
November 26, 2025:
USCIS announced a halt all immigration case processing for Afghan nationals indefinitely. This suspension continues to apply worldwide to asylum, family reunification, parole reviews, adjustment of status, and immigration benefits.
Link: USCIS on X: "Effective immediately, processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals is stopped indefinitely pending further review of security and vetting protocols. The protection and safety of our homeland and of the American people remains our singular focus and" / X
November 26, 2025:
A review of Afghans admitted under Operation Allies Welcome (OAW), a federal security reassessment, was launched after the shooting of two U.S. National Guard members near the White House. This includes tens of thousands of Afghan nationals who entered the U.S. between 2021 and 2023.
July 14, 2025:
The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) has terminated. The Department of Homeland Security announced that Afghanistan no longer meets the statutory conditions for TPS designation. Afghans who had no other legal status became subject to removal, and employment authorization documents (EAD) tied to TPS are no longer valid.
Link: DHS Terminating Temporary Protected Status for Afghanistan | Homeland Security
June 4, 2025:
June 4, 2025: Afghanistan is designated as a country subject to full suspension under the Presidential Proclamation 10949. However, the Proclamation provides a limited exemption for Afghan nationals holding SIVs issued in recognition of their service to the United States. White House Guidance: "Restricting The Entry of Foreign Nationals To Protect The United States From Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats"
Link: Restricting The Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats – The White House
Practical Information
Our updates have highlighted the challenges. Now, we want to share recommendations that empower you to respond with solidarity and care.
Recommendations
1) Prior to departure from another nation's airport, travelers should verify the validity of their U.S. visa to ensure that no change in immigration status has occurred, which could render the visa void and result in denial of boarding.
Link: Consular Electronic Application Center
2) Travelers holding SIVs should coordinate with CBP at their intended port of entry prior to travel. Contacting the CBP office at the arrival airport ensures that current guidance has not changed and that SIV holders remain admissible at all U.S. ports of entry.
Link: U.S. Customs and Border Protection | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
3) Admission to the United States is never guaranteed. Final discretion regarding entry rests solely with CBP officers at the port of entry. Travelers should be prepared to present all required documentation and comply with inspection procedures, understanding that CBP retains authority to determine admissibility.
4) Afghans who were under TPS must now seek legal consultation to apply for alternative legal pathways, should they exist.
NOTE: The foregoing information reflects current guidance and is provided for general informational purposes only. It is subject to modification or withdrawal at any time based on changes in law, policy, or agency practice. Recipients should not rely on this summary as definitive and are encouraged to verify developments on a continuing basis.