POLITICO: Bipartisan group of lawmakers introduces bill to grant Afghan nationals in US protected status

A bipartisan group of lawmakers is introducing a bill Thursday that could restore Temporary Protected Status for many Afghan nationals in the U.S., providing them an avenue to stay in the country.

A rejection of the DHS view: The announcement comes after the Department of Homeland Security terminated the designation for Afghans last year, saying the country's security and economic conditions had stabilized.

The coalition — which includes Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.), Rep. Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.), Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) and Rep. Maria Salazar (R-Fla.) — now argue that more protections are needed for Afghans worldwide, as they continue to face dangers at home. The bill would grant protected status until 2029 to Afghans in the U.S. who have fled dangers in their country.

A promise to Afghan allies: “When I served in combat in Afghanistan, I fought alongside brave Afghans. Without their help, I may not be here today. After more than 20 years of war, we promised we’d protect those who protected us. The U.S. must live up to that commitment,” Crow said. “As many face violence and persecution in Afghanistan by the Taliban if they are sent back, our legislation would protect Afghans already here in the United States.”

Not safe: In recent months, conditions in Afghanistan have only worsened driven by poverty, climate shocks and harsh policies of the Taliban.

“The termination of TPS for Afghanistan remains as indefensible today as it was a year ago. Conditions in Afghanistan have only deteriorated, and it is simply not safe to force Afghans who have lived lawfully and peacefully in the United States to return,” said Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, president and CEO of Global Refuge.

Global Refuge has endorsed the bill, along with a number of other humanitarian groups.

Eric Bazail-Eimil contributed to this report.