White House Defends End of TPS for Afghans, Including At-Risk Christians
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt firmly responded to criticism over the administration’s decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghans, including several hundred Christians facing Taliban persecution. Leavitt clarified that the TPS designation, enacted under Biden, had expired rather than being proactively canceled.
She blamed the previous administration for “illegally paroling” people and emphasized that TPS is not meant to be permanent. Around 9,000 Afghans now face potential deportation.
Leavitt noted that those fearing persecution can seek asylum or apply for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs), stressing that each case will be reviewed individually.
Humanitarian groups have urged a policy reversal, but Leavitt maintained that restoring lawful immigration procedures is the administration’s priority—not targeting Christians or Afghans.
