The latest decision affects approximately 14,600 Afghans and 7,900 Cameroonians, stirring fears of deportation for many vulnerable families.
**Trump Administration to End Temporary Protections for Afghan and Cameroonian Nationals**
**Trump Administration to End Temporary Protections for Afghan and Cameroonian Nationals**
US Department of Homeland Security announces termination of Temporary Protected Status for thousands of evacuees.
Thousands of individuals from Afghanistan and Cameroon are set to lose their Temporary Protected Status (TPS) following a decision by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under Secretary Kristi Noem. DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that the conditions in both countries no longer justify the continuation of these protections.
An estimated 14,600 Afghans who had previously been granted TPS will be affected by the change in May, while approximately 7,900 Cameroonian nationals will lose their protected status in June. This announcement coincides with a ruling that allows for the deportation of an individual connected to pro-Palestinian protests—a development that underscores rising tensions around immigration and deportation policies under the current administration.
TPS is awarded to individuals from countries experiencing severe crises, such as armed conflict or natural disasters, making it unsafe for them to return home. The status typically lasts for 18 months and can be renewed at the discretion of the Homeland Security secretary. According to McLaughlin, former Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced an extension of TPS for Afghans until May 20, 2024; however, Noem later determined that conditions in Afghanistan, since the Taliban took control nearly four years ago, no longer met the criteria for TPS inclusion.
In addition, a similar TPS cancellation for Cameroon was confirmed on April 7, based on government consultations. Just last month, the Trump administration indicated plans to end temporary legal status for over half a million migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, prompting widespread concern among affected communities. These policy changes come in the wake of the suspension of a Biden-era sponsorship program that had allowed many to enter the US.
The ramifications of these immigration reforms extend beyond TPS recipients. Shukriah, an Afghan refugee currently residing in Washington D.C., expressed her fear and anxiety over the notice she received to leave the US, stating that the threat of deportation has adversely impacted her mental health during her pregnancy. She and her family fled Afghanistan last year amidst verified turmoil, making their way through 11 countries to seek asylum.
Complicated by her pending asylum application, Shukriah is uncertain about the future and the steps necessary to secure her family's safety. As challenges mount for those in similar situations, the DHS website does provide information on how to seek extensions within the shifting frameworks of policy.
The immigration stance taken by the Trump administration focuses heavily on mass deportation—a key tenet of Trump's electoral promises. Recent data reported that the US deported approximately 37,660 individuals in Trump's first month back in office, reflecting a stricter approach compared to the last full year under the Biden administration.
In related developments, the administration has also moved to revoke the visas of numerous international students, ostensibly as part of enforcement actions linked to political activism on university campuses. The case of Mahmoud Khalil exemplifies this crackdown; a legal permanent resident with ties to pro-Palestinian advocacy, Khalil has faced deportation during a legal battle over his rights.
Overall, the ongoing adjustments in U.S. immigration policy promise to protect certain national interests while raising significant human rights concerns for many affected individuals and families.
An estimated 14,600 Afghans who had previously been granted TPS will be affected by the change in May, while approximately 7,900 Cameroonian nationals will lose their protected status in June. This announcement coincides with a ruling that allows for the deportation of an individual connected to pro-Palestinian protests—a development that underscores rising tensions around immigration and deportation policies under the current administration.
TPS is awarded to individuals from countries experiencing severe crises, such as armed conflict or natural disasters, making it unsafe for them to return home. The status typically lasts for 18 months and can be renewed at the discretion of the Homeland Security secretary. According to McLaughlin, former Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced an extension of TPS for Afghans until May 20, 2024; however, Noem later determined that conditions in Afghanistan, since the Taliban took control nearly four years ago, no longer met the criteria for TPS inclusion.
In addition, a similar TPS cancellation for Cameroon was confirmed on April 7, based on government consultations. Just last month, the Trump administration indicated plans to end temporary legal status for over half a million migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, prompting widespread concern among affected communities. These policy changes come in the wake of the suspension of a Biden-era sponsorship program that had allowed many to enter the US.
The ramifications of these immigration reforms extend beyond TPS recipients. Shukriah, an Afghan refugee currently residing in Washington D.C., expressed her fear and anxiety over the notice she received to leave the US, stating that the threat of deportation has adversely impacted her mental health during her pregnancy. She and her family fled Afghanistan last year amidst verified turmoil, making their way through 11 countries to seek asylum.
Complicated by her pending asylum application, Shukriah is uncertain about the future and the steps necessary to secure her family's safety. As challenges mount for those in similar situations, the DHS website does provide information on how to seek extensions within the shifting frameworks of policy.
The immigration stance taken by the Trump administration focuses heavily on mass deportation—a key tenet of Trump's electoral promises. Recent data reported that the US deported approximately 37,660 individuals in Trump's first month back in office, reflecting a stricter approach compared to the last full year under the Biden administration.
In related developments, the administration has also moved to revoke the visas of numerous international students, ostensibly as part of enforcement actions linked to political activism on university campuses. The case of Mahmoud Khalil exemplifies this crackdown; a legal permanent resident with ties to pro-Palestinian advocacy, Khalil has faced deportation during a legal battle over his rights.
Overall, the ongoing adjustments in U.S. immigration policy promise to protect certain national interests while raising significant human rights concerns for many affected individuals and families.
