Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) have jointly criticized the Trump administration for revoking temporary protected status (TPS) for Afghan immigrants, calling it a ‘historic betrayal’ of U.S. commitments and a threat to the lives of those who supported American troops in Afghanistan. The letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem urged the administration to reconsider the move, which would strip Afghans of work permits and legal residency in the U.S.
The administration’s action has drawn criticism not only from Murkowski but also from other Republican lawmakers, including Miami’s congressional delegation, who have called on the White House to maintain protections for Venezuelans and Haitians. Murkowski, who has consistently warned against the Trump administration’s foreign policies, including its withdrawal from Afghanistan under the Biden administration, now argues that ending TPS protections for Afghans could further endanger those already in the U.S.
The decision to cancel TPS aligns with Trump’s broader foreign policy agenda, which emphasizes reducing U.S. involvement abroad and refocusing on domestic priorities. However, legal challenges have already been filed, with the Supreme Court recently clearing the way for the Trump administration to revoke TPS for Venezuelans. Murkowski has also been vocal about the administration’s handling of the Afghan refugee crisis, arguing that the move risks returning displaced individuals to Taliban-controlled areas, which she describes as ‘brutal.’
In a statement accompanying the joint letter, Murkowski and Shaheen emphasized that the cancellation of TPS represents a failure to uphold the values of solidarity and duty that the U.S. has long championed in its military and foreign policy efforts. The senators argued that the decision not only endangers lives but also undermines the trust of allies and partners in the U.S.’s commitment to international cooperation.
The letter also comes amid reports of the State Department shutting down the office responsible for coordinating Afghan resettlement for those who aided the U.S. war effort. This decision is part of a broader reorganization within the State Department aimed at aligning with Trump’s ‘America First’ priorities, which include reducing foreign aid and refocusing resources on domestic issues.
Murkowski has long been a prominent figure in her party, known for her centrist position and willingness to criticize her own party when she believes policies are misguided. She has previously criticized Trump for his close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin and for abandoning allies, describing the U.S. as ‘walking away from our allies.’ However, she has also acknowledged that many within the Republican Party are hesitant to openly defy Trump, citing the fear of retaliation.
Despite these internal challenges, Murkowski has remained a vocal opponent of Trump’s foreign policy and continues to advocate for the protection of Afghan immigrants. The administration’s decision to cancel TPS has reignited debates about the role of the U.S. in global conflicts and the responsibilities of the government towards those who assist in these efforts.
The legal battle over TPS has escalated as various groups and lawmakers push for its reinstatement, arguing that the policy should be extended to protect those who have already invested their lives in the U.S. The Supreme Court’s recent ruling in favor of the Trump administration’s decision to revoke TPS for Venezuelans has added to the controversy, raising questions about the future of similar protections for other groups.
Murkowski’s concerns about the humanitarian impact of the TPS cancellation have been echoed by other lawmakers and advocacy groups, who argue that the decision could lead to a humanitarian crisis for those who have found refuge in the U.S. and now face the threat of deportation back to their home countries. The full implications of this decision are still unfolding, but one thing is clear: the administration’s actions are sparking both legal and political responses from those who believe the U.S. has a moral obligation to support those who helped in its military efforts.