Category: Security Intelligence

Auto Added by WPeMatico

Posted on

Portland Gang Member Sentenced to Federal Prison for Straw Purchasing 64 Firearms and Trafficking Dozens to Unlawful Possessors

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

PORTLAND, Ore.—A self-identified member of Portland’s Unthank Park Hustlers, a local Bloods gang set, was sentenced to federal prison today for straw purchasing more than five dozen firearms from area gun shops and trafficking many of the guns to individuals prohibited by law from purchasing or possessing them.

Edward Charles Green, 25, of Gresham, Oregon, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release.

According to court documents, in May 2021, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) opened an investigation after receiving information from the Gresham Police Department (GPD) and Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) describing several shooting incidents allegedly involving Edward Green and his twin brother, Thomas Green III, also 25 and from Gresham. At around the same time, ATF agents began receiving information alleging the brothers were also responsible for straw purchasing dozens of firearms from gun shops across the Portland metro area.

Early indications of the Green brothers’ straw purchasing activity were uncovered on April 23, 2020, when PPB officers responded to reports of a house struck by gunfire on Northeast Sumner Street in Portland. Officers observed that the gun appeared to have been fired from inside the Greens’ father’s nearby home, leaving a small hole in their father’s front window. After telling officers he threw a rock through his own window, the Greens’ father changed his explanation and claimed a gun accidentally fired when he was showing his son how to clean it. PPB located and seized three handguns and an AK-47 from the residence. ATF agents later determined Edward Green had straw purchased three of the four guns seized, indicating on a legally-required purchase form that the firearms were for himself and not purchased on behalf of another person.

Between August 25 and August 30, 2020, PPB officers recovered four more firearms straw purchased by Edward Green. One of the firearms was recovered after officers responded to a shooting incident outside the brothers’ southeast Portland apartment. Three others were recovered from a vehicle that had been involved in a shooting near Portland Adventist Hospital.

On November 11, 2020, MCSO deputies responded to a Fairview, Oregon car crash caused by gunfire involving Edward Green. After executing a search warrant on a backpack recovered from Green’s vehicle, the deputies found two more pistols Green had purchased and two pounds of packaged marijuana. A few months later, on January 23, 2021, MCSO deputies recovered another firearm straw purchased by Green during a traffic stop of other individuals.

In May 2021, GPD officers responded to two separate shooting incidents at a house shared by the Green brothers. During the first shooting, on May 12, 2021, an unknown assailant fired several rounds into the house. During the second shooting, on May 21, 2021, a drive-by assailant fired 14 additional rounds into the house. An unknown person in the house fired 30 rounds in response, some of which struck occupied neighboring houses. On June 3, 2021, members of the Metro Safe Streets Task Force executed a search warrant on the residence and found nine empty semi-automatic gun cases, several dozen spent bullets and cartridge casings, 27 firearm and rifle magazines, a range bag with more than 400 spent cartridges, and five receipts for recent gun purchases made by the Green brothers. Forensic analyses linked some of these items to at least 10 different shootings in the Portland area between April 6, 2020, and July 11, 2021.

In July and August 2021, two more firearms linked to the Green brothers were recovered by law enforcement. In total, between April 5, 2020, and August 30, 2021, area law enforcement officers recovered 12 firearms straw purchased by the Green brothers. A subsequent review of ATF and State of Oregon records revealed that in an 18-month period beginning April 1, 2020, the brothers straw purchased 82 firearms from Portland area gun shops.

On September 28, 2021, the Greens were charged by criminal complaint with falsifying information in connection with the acquisition of a firearm and making false statements to a federal firearms licensee. The next day, on September 29, 2021, Thomas Green III was arrested at the apartment of a gang associate in Portland. One week later, on October 6, 2021, Edward Green was arrested by ATF agents at his father’s northeast Portland residence.

On October 21, 2021, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging the Greens with 41 counts of making false statements during the purchase of firearms. After the Greens were charged with these crimes, police continued recovering firearms purchased by the brothers. One gun, a .45 caliber Glock pistol, was recovered during the execution of a search warrant on the residence of another known Unthank Park Hustler gang member and associate of the Greens. The firearm was linked to 17 shootings in and around Portland in a 13-month period, including two homicides.

On June 23, 2023, the Green brothers pleaded guilty. Thomas Green III will be sentenced on October 10, 2023.

This case was investigated by members of the Metro Safe Streets Task Force including ATF, FBI, GPD, MCSO, and PPB. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

Straw purchasing firearms is a serious federal crime that involves buying guns for someone who is prohibited by law from possessing one or for someone who does not want his or her name associated with the purchase. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 80 percent of criminals obtain their firearms from friends or family members or other illegal sources. To learn more about the public safety risks posed by straw purchasing firearms, please visit www.dontlie.org.

Formed in April 2021, the Metro Safe Streets Task Force is a multi-agency initiative focused on investigating and prosecuting gun crimes in Multnomah County. As part of this effort, federally-deputized officers from the Portland Police Bureau, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, and Gresham Police Department work with agents from the FBI and ATF to investigate gun crimes after they occur and, where appropriate and supported by evidence, charge those responsible in state or federal court. Prosecutors from the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon work closely with task force officers to determine if state or federal charges are warranted and which jurisdiction is most appropriate for adjudication.

Posted on

Dartmouth — Ensure the safety of our youngest travelers: Child Passenger Safety Week

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

In support of Child Passenger Safety Week (September 18-22), Nova Scotia RCMP, in partnership with IWK Child Safety Link, are urging motorists to ensure the safety of our youngest travelers on the road.

“Motor vehicle collisions are still the leading cause of injury-related deaths for children in Canada. Choosing the right car seat for your child can be confusing, but a lot of good information is available through programs like Child Safety Link, and motorists are responsible for the safety of their passengers – it has to be done right.” says S/Sgt Ben Parry, RCMP Traffic Services.

Infants (rear-facing only) seats:

A rear-facing seat gives the best protection for your baby or child’s head, neck, and spine in a sudden stop or crash. Check the labels on your seat to find out when your baby will reach the seat’s height or weight limits. Once your baby has outgrown the infant seat (usually between 6 and 12 months), use a larger, rear-facing seat.

Rear-facing car seats:

Your child is safest riding rear-facing until two-, three-, or even four-years-old. Keep your child rear facing as long as they still fit within the height and weight limits for their larger, rear-facing seat.

Forward-facing car seats:

A forward-facing seat uses a five-point harness to spread the force of a sudden stop or crash over the strongest parts of your child’s body. Keep your child in a five-point harness until they weigh at least 18kg (40 pounds).

“When you use the right car seat in the right way, you can reduce the risk that a baby or child will be hurt or killed in a collision by up to 70%,” says Katherine Hutka, Health Promotion Specialist for IWK’s Child Safety Link. “Always check your vehicle manual and follow the instructions for your seat.”

For more information on how to install your car seat and safely buckling your child, visit: https://childsafetylink.ca/car-seat-safety

Posted on

Bay Roberts — Bay Roberts RCMP investigates break, enter and theft in Marysvale

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Bay Roberts RCMP is investigating a break, enter and theft that occurred at Abbey’s Place, a bar in Marysvale, during the early morning hours of September 20, 2023. Police are looking to identify the suspect captured on surveillance footage.

Just after midnight on Wednesday, September 20, police responded to an alarm at the bar and discovered that a window had been broken out in order to gain entry. Surveillance video captured a male suspect breaking into the bar, stealing a quantity of alcohol and exiting. The suspect is believed to have cut or injured his hand or hands during the robbery.

The suspect was wearing a black hoodie. See the attached stills from the surveillance video.

Anyone with any information about this crime, the location of the stolen alcohol or the identity of the suspect pictured is asked to please contact Bay Roberts RCMP at 709-786-2118.

To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app. #SayItHere

Posted on

Updates from the General Conference: IAEA’s Key Initiatives

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

ZODIAC was established in 2020 by the IAEA to help prevent future pandemics, by strengthening countries’ preparedness and capabilities to rapidly detect and respond to outbreaks of zoonotic diseases. At the side event, experts will highlight progress made in establishing  a network of almost 130 veterinary laboratories. This network is enhancing global capacity building, enabling countries to better control the spread of diseases, which pass from animals to humans such as Zika, Ebola, avian flu and Mpox.  

This event will be held on Monday, 25 September from 3.30 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. at ESPACE M01, M building, first floor. 

Posted on

Sydney — Northeast RCMP Traffic Services arrest two drivers in separate incidents

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

On September 16, an RCMP officer with Northeast Traffic Services – Cape Breton, arrested two motorists in separate driving incidents.

At approximately 7:15 p.m., a traffic stop was completed on a Hyundai Accent as it was travelling west along Hwy. 125 in Upper North Sydney. The vehicle had an expired registration.

The driver of the Hyundai, a 52-year-old Alder Point man, was found to be prohibited from driving in Canada as a result of a previous impaired driving conviction. The man was safely arrested and will appear in Sydney Provincial Court on November 23 to face the charge of Operation While Prohibited.

Later that evening, at approximately 9:05 p.m., the same RCMP officer observed a Nissan Rogue, which was travelling eastbound on Hwy. 125, make a sudden sharp turn into the dirt and then onto the exit ramp at Point Edward.

The officer stopped the Nissan without incident. During the traffic stop, the officer noted the driver of the vehicle, a 46-year-old Beaver Cove man, was displaying signs of impairment. The man was arrested and transported to the local detachment where he provided breath samples of 400 mg% and 380 mg%, which is five times the legal limit of 80 mg%.

The man, who’s been charged with Impaired Operation of a Conveyance and Impaired Operation of a Conveyance over 80 mg%, is due to appear in Sydney Provincial Court on November 23.

Both investigations are ongoing.

File #: 2023-1381579, 2023-1382223

Posted on

IAEA Sees Operational Safety Commitment at Penly Nuclear Power Plant in France, Encourages Continued Improvement

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts said that the operator of Units 1 and 2 of the Penly Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in France has demonstrated a commitment to operational safety. The team also encouraged the operator to continue improvements in areas such as the implementation of maintenance work.

The Operational Safety Review Team (OSART) concluded an 18-day mission to the Penly NPP on 21 September. The mission, which focused on two of the plant’s units, was carried out at the request of the Government of France.

OSART missions aim to improve operational safety by independently assessing safety performance against the IAEA’s safety standards by proposing recommendations and, where appropriate, suggestions for improvement. Safety is an essential element during commissioning and the subsequent safe operation of a nuclear power plant.

The plant, owned by the Electricity de France (EDF), is located close to the city of Dieppe in Normandy, 255 kilometres from Paris. Unit 1 started commercial operation in 1990, and Unit 2 in 1992. The two 1300 megawatt electrical (MW(e)) pressurized water reactors are amongst 56 operating nuclear power reactors in France. Nuclear power currently contributes about 68 per cent of the country’s electricity. This figure is expected to rise as France is constructing an additional reactor and plans to construct at least six more.

The 13-member team comprised experts from Canada, China, Slovakia, Germany, South Africa, Sweden, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates and the United States of America, as well as two IAEA officials.

“We observed that the plant’s senior leadership team held safety as a priority and pushed for improvement in all areas,” said team leader John Duguid, Senior Nuclear Safety Officer at the IAEA. “The team also proposed areas in which improvements can be made to further elevate the plant’s safety performance.”

The team identified good practices to be shared with the nuclear industry globally, including:

  • The updated plant information project (CONNECT) installed at the plant provides real time access to information and effective support to different function groups. This assists in operator monitoring, remote requests for technical assistance and management of emergent work.
  • The plant installed a remote monitoring capability on safety critical seawater piping that helps in avoiding biofouling through optimising chemical treatment.
  • The plant developed and installed a system for monitoring sedimentation in the cooling water intake channel.

The mission also provided recommendations and suggestions to further improve operational safety, including that:

  • The plant should improve the implementation of processes related to the testing of the plants installed systems.
  • The plant should improve its preparation, control and implementation of maintenance activities to ensure equipment reliability and personnel safety.
  • The plant should consider improving the quality and planning of its periodic testing.

“The OSART mission enabled an in-depth assessment of the site and an enriching sharing of the best global practices thanks to the team’s combined expertise,” said François Valmage, Executive Site Manager of Unit 1 and 2 of Penly NPP. “The recommendations and suggestions will help us ensure a continuous improvement of the plant’s operational safety.”

The team provided a draft report of the mission to the plant management. They will have the opportunity to make factual comments on the draft. These comments will be reviewed by the IAEA and the final report will be submitted to the Government of France within three months. France intends to make the report public.

Background

General information about OSART missions can be found on the IAEA website. An OSART mission is designed as a review of programmes and activities essential to operational safety. It is not a regulatory inspection, nor is it a design review or a substitute for an exhaustive assessment of the plant’s overall safety status.

Follow up missions are standard components of the OSART programme and are typically conducted within two years of the initial mission.

The IAEA Safety Standards provide a robust framework of fundamental principles, requirements, and guidance to ensure safety. They reflect an international consensus and serve as a global reference for protecting people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation.

Posted on

Nomination of new IBAN Board Member, Mr Sébastien Lepers

Source: NATO

Sébastien Lepers, born in 1973 in Nouméa, New Caledonia (France), was appointed by the North Atlantic Council to the NATO International Board of Auditors (IBAN) as a Board Member for four years from 1 August 2023.

After academic training in the fields of public administration and economic and social sciences, Mr. Sébastien Lepers held during the period 1999 to 2016 various operational functions within the Ministry of Defence (audit, internal control, general administration, public procurement, finance, logistics, secondment abroad in external operations) and then at the French Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) Court of Accounts, from 2016 to 2023 (control, peer review, international cooperation). Within the framework of these various functions, he has already had the opportunity on several occasions to manage the activities of a service, from the design of the work programme to the operational realisation of the various tasks and their follow-up. 
 
Following a year from 1999 to the function of Deputy Head of Infrastructure at Ventiseri-Solenzara Air Base 126 ‘Captain Preziosi’, an advanced base in Corsica for tactical training and departure for NATO aircraft, Mr Sébastien Lepers served as head of an administrative, financial and logistical support service at Roquebrune-Cap-Martin Air Base 943 ‘Captain Auber’ from 2000 to 2004. These two experiences have enabled him to not only acquire skills in terms of team leadership, but also to participate in the implementation of strategies for pooling support services.  In particular through his participation in concrete and operational missions at different levels of responsibility under the Maritime Pollution Plan (POLMAR), the Adapted Monitoring Module (MAS) for forest fire control, disaster relief and restoration of communication routes following the Lothar and Martin storms, the command of the VIGIPIRATE enhanced security and surveillance system at Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport, participation in Exercise OPÉRA at Creil air base 110 ‘Lieutenant-colonel Guy de La Horie’, and training to obtain the qualifications of Reco NEDEX (RECO NEDEX) and Chief of Command against Nuclear, Radiological, Biological and Chemical Threats (NRBC). As a result of this experience, he served for three years, from 2004 to 2007, as a staff officer and air commissioner, in particular at the Central Directorate of the Air Commissariat (DCCA) in Paris-Balard. On this occasion, he acquired strong skills in managing complex projects, in an environment often requiring strong coordination with other armies, directorates and departments. In 2006, in addition to the initial training at the Air Force Reserve Officers’ School at Évreux Air Base 105 “Commander Viot” in 1999, the Special Officer Training Course (CSFO) of the Air School (EA) on air base 701 in Salon-de-Provence “General Pineau” in 2000 and then at the Air Commissariat School (ECA) on the same site in 2004, he was able to attend the NATO Senior Officer Policy Course at the NATO School in Oberammergau, Germany. In 2009, he was awarded the senior officer’s diploma (DAEOS) by the air force’s central director of general administration and finance.

Subsequently, from 2007 to 2014 he held the duties of internal auditor in three audit structures on the site of the Cité de l’Air and Air Base (CABA) 117 in Paris Balard   “Capitaine Guynemer” (Administration and Finance Audit Department (SAAF) of the Air Force, Joint Administrative and Financial Audit Centre (CAAFI) of the Department of the Armed Forces (CAAFI) of the French Armed Forces Audit Office (C2A) of the Military Staff, a joint body certified in 2013 to the Professional and International Standards of Auditing IIA by the French Audit Institute (IFACI) and, from 2014 to 2016, as financial studies officer, at the rank of principal commissioner in the Ministry of Defence’s financial affairs department (senior officer). These functions have enabled him to master many areas relating to public finances (operational, budgetary and accounting procedures and certification of accounts).

In addition to his duties as a staff officer, Mr. Sébastien Lepers has actively participated in operational missions in the field. After assuming the role of administrative and financial manager of the joint (air, sea, land) and joint staff exercise (Spain, France, Italy, Portugal) EOLO aiming to test the operational capability of the NATO Response Force (NRF) format of the armies in 2006 and then of the French-Indian operational exercise GARUDA on the air base of Kalaïkunda in West Bengal in India in 2007, he also led the administrative, financial and logistical team during a high-voltage NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) mission at Kandahar Air Field Air Base (KAF) in Afghanistan during an operational stay in 2009, for which he was awarded a NATO Medal (Non-Article 5). A prior mission to the Dushanbe Air Detachment in Tajikistan in 2008 had already enabled him to develop his leadership skills in a tense international context. In 2011, at the request of the Prosecutor of the Republic at the Paris Armies Tribunal and the Armed Forces Inspection (IdA), he conducted an audit mission within the perimeter of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

After more than seventeen years in the administration of the State as a public manager and internal auditor at several hierarchical and functional levels (junior auditor, senior auditor and head of audit mission, supervisor), in particular at the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Sébastien Lepers decided to return to civilian life in the second half of his professional career. He conducted, as a financial magistrate, from 2016 to 2019 at the Court of Accounts, French supreme audit institution, performance, financial and jurisdictional audits first in the seventh and then in the second chamber specialising in the fields of environment, agriculture, energy and transport. 

His extensive experience in both internal and external auditing at different levels of responsibility has been sanctioned by several internationally recognised professional certifications (Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Government Auditing Professional, Certified Risk Management Assurance, Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Financial Crime Specialist, etc.). 

As part of his various duties (deputy director and acting director on two occasions) in the Directorate of International Relations, External Audit and Francophonie (DRIAEF) of the French Court of Accounts from April 2018 to July 2023, Mr. Sébastien Lepers was able to benefit in the context of multilateral and bilateral cooperation projects, from a transversal and strategic vision of all the missions carried out by French financial courts in the international field (performance audit, financial audit (certification of accounts), compliance audit, jurisdictional audit, flash audit, structural notes) promoting good practices and values of democracy, the rule of law, social development, transparency of administration and good governance of public finances.  His contribution to international activity could take place both in the multilateral context (Forum of SAIs with jurisdiction, Association having in common the use of French (AISCCUF), working groups of the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), the Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions of Europe (EUROSAI) and the EU SAI Contact Committee coordinated by the European Court of Auditors) and in the implementation of bilateral cooperation projects. In this regard, the monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda by the French Government, or the regular use of multiple donors (European Commission, World Bank, African Development Bank, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), State Secretariat for the Economy of the Swiss Confederation, Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, International Organisation of La Francophonie, French Development Agency (AFD), etc.) to finance the institutional capacity building projects of foreign counterparts have been permanent challenges for the French Court of Accounts and the AISCCUF, both members of the INTOSAI community. The multilateral work in various INTOSAI working groups on the development and adoption of International Standards of Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAI) audit guidelines and standards has also provided an opportunity to strengthen its expertise in the ISSAI, International Standards on Auditing (ISA) and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) standards for external and internal audit in the areas of compliance, performance and finance.
 

Posted on

Operations co-funded by the EU lead to 197 arrests in Spain

Source: Europol

Europol has supported the Spanish National Police (Policía Nacional) in 29 investigations, co-funded by EU financial mechanism. The operations, in line with EU priorities against serious and organised crime, targeted a number of criminal networks involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, fraud and corruption, among other crimes.  The 29 criminal investigations, led by Spain and involving other EU Member States…

Posted on

Pilot Butte, Balgonie — Update: Saskatchewan RCMP responding to serious motor vehicle collision between Pilot Butte and Balgonie

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

On Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at approximately 9:35 p.m., White Butte RCMP responded to a three-vehicle collision on Highway 46, between Pilot Butte and Balgonie.

White Butte RCMP and Balgonie Fire Department responded immediately. Initial investigation determined that three cars collided.

The one car had two occupants, the driver and the passenger. The driver was taken to hospital for injuries described as serious in nature. The front passenger, a 30-year-old female, was declared deceased on scene by EMS. Her family has been notified.

The driver and sole occupants of the other two cars were taken to hospital with injuries described as serious in nature.

The investigation is ongoing with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP Collision Analyst

Posted on

Secretary Mayorkas Announces Extension and Redesignation of Afghanistan for Temporary Protected Status

Source: US Department of Homeland Security

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced the extension and redesignation of Afghanistan for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from November 21, 2023, to May 20, 2025, due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Afghanistan that prevent individuals from safely returning. The corresponding Federal Register notice provides information about how to register for TPS as a new or current beneficiary under Afghanistan’s extension and redesignation.

After reviewing the country conditions in Afghanistan and consulting with interagency partners, Secretary Mayorkas determined that an 18-month TPS extension and redesignation is warranted because conditions, including armed conflict, that support Afghanistan’s TPS designation are ongoing.

“Today’s announcement to extend and redesignate TPS for Afghanistan allows us to continue to offer safety and protection to Afghan nationals who are unable to return to their country,” said Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. “DHS will continue to support Afghan nationals through this temporary form of humanitarian relief.”

A country may be designated for TPS when conditions in the country fall into one or more of the three statutory bases for designation: ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or extraordinary and temporary conditions. Afghanistan’s designation is based on the serious threat posed by ongoing armed conflict; lack of access to food, clean water and healthcare; and destroyed infrastructure, internal displacement and economic instability.

The extension of TPS for Afghanistan allows approximately 3,100 current beneficiaries to retain TPS through May 20, 2025, if they continue to meet TPS eligibility requirements. The redesignation of Afghanistan for TPS allows an estimated 14,600 additional Afghan nationals (or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Afghanistan) who entered the United States since the last continuous residence date of March 15, 2022, and who have been continuously residing in the United States since September 20, 2023, and continuously physically present in the United States since November 21, 2023, to file initial applications to obtain TPS, if they are otherwise eligible. Certain OAW parolees may also be eligible to file late initial applications for TPS.

Re-registration is limited to individuals who previously registered for and were granted TPS under Afghanistan’s prior designation. Current beneficiaries under TPS for Afghanistan must re-register in a timely manner during the 60-day re-registration period from September 25, 2023 through November 24, 2023, to ensure they keep their TPS and employment authorization.

DHS recognizes that not all re-registrants may receive a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before their current EAD expires and is automatically extending through November 20, 2024 the validity of EADs previously issued under Afghanistan’s TPS designation.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will continue to process pending applications filed under the previous TPS designation for Afghanistan. Individuals with a pending Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, or a related Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, as of September 25, 2023 do not need to file either application again. If USCIS approves a pending Form I-821 or Form I-765 filed under the previous designation of TPS for Afghanistan, USCIS will grant the individual TPS through May 20, 2025, and issue an EAD valid through the same date.

Under the redesignation of Afghanistan, eligible individuals who do not have TPS may submit an initial Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status, during the initial registration period that runs from September 25, 2023, through May 20, 2025. Applicants also may apply for TPS-related EADs and for travel authorization. Applicants can request an EAD by submitting a completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with their Form I-821, or separately later.

Afghan nationals who were granted parole under Operation Allies Welcome, or re-parole, may apply for and receive TPS, if eligible. Applying for re-parole does not affect a TPS application, and being a TPS beneficiary does not affect an application for re-parole. Eligibility for ORR-funded services that extend to qualifying Afghan parolees, including those granted re-parole under the new re-parole process, require Afghans to maintain parole. TPS beneficiaries are not eligible for certain Afghan parolee benefits if their parole lapses. DHS cannot provide legal advice but encourages Afghan parolees to seek any more durable immigration pathways, like asylum and adjustment of status, for which they may be eligible.

The Federal Register notice explains eligibility criteria, timelines, and procedures necessary for current beneficiaries to re-register and renew EADs, and for new applicants to submit an initial application under the redesignation and apply for an EAD.