The Department of Homeland Security announced the end of Temporary Protected Status for Afghans in May, assessing that “improved security,” a “stabilizing economy,” and increased tourism demonstrated Afghans could safely return to their homeland.

Hours before TPS was removed for about 11,700 Afghans on July 14, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit blocked the cancellation. The deadline for TPS revocation is now extended to July 21 while the U.S. government and CASA, which sued the government over TPS, file briefs arguing their positions.