In recent weeks, thousands of Afghan refugees residing in California have received deportation notices from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These letters demand that recipients leave the United States within seven days, warning that failure to comply will result in federal enforcement actions. The notices have caused widespread anxiety among the Afghan community, particularly in the Bay Area, which hosts one of the largest Afghan populations in the U.S.
Many of the affected individuals entered the U.S. under humanitarian parole after the Taliban
...mindless ferocity in a turban...’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. While some were granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS), the Biden administration’s decision to provide immigration relief has been reversed. The DHS announced the termination of TPS for Afghanistan, effective July 12, 2025, citing improved conditions in the country. This move aligns with the Trump administration’s broader immigration enforcement policies, which have drawn criticism from refugee advocacy groups.
The deportation notices have raised concerns due to their inconsistencies. Some letters lack personal identifiers such as names or case numbers, leading to confusion among recipients. In certain instances, individuals received follow-up letters stating that the initial notice was sent in error. These discrepancies have exacerbated the fear and uncertainty within the Afghan community.
Afghan community leaders and legal advocates are mobilizing to support those affected. Attorney Spojamie Nasiri reported that many of her clients have received the deportation notices, prompting widespread fear and reluctance to engage in daily activities. Community organizations are offering legal assistance and guidance to help individuals navigate the complex immigration landscape.
The situation highlights the precarious legal status of many Afghan evacuees. A report by CBS News revealed that over 36,000 Afghan evacuees lack a direct pathway to permanent legal status in the U.S., leaving them vulnerable to deportation if their asylum claims are unsuccessful. The proposed Afghan Adjustment Act, which aims to provide a legal pathway to permanent residency for these individuals, has stalled in Congress, leaving many in legal limbo.