Trump Administration Ends TPS for Thousands of Afghans and Cameroonians
The Trump administration has decided not to renew Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for thousands of Afghans and Cameroonians, setting the stage for potential deportations.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced that it will not extend the TPS for Afghans and Cameroonians, a decision that impacts over 21,000 individuals. This status, which provides temporary relief from deportation and work authorization, was crucial for those fleeing war-torn or disaster-stricken countries. The termination of TPS for Afghans is set for May, while Cameroonians will see their protections end in June, leaving them vulnerable to deportation.
This decision comes despite ongoing concerns about the safety and stability in Afghanistan, particularly after the U.S. withdrawal in 2021 and the subsequent Taliban takeover. Critics, including Shawn VanDriver of #AfghanEvac, argue that conditions in Afghanistan have deteriorated, making the decision to end TPS not only harsh but also potentially life-threatening for those affected. “Afghans who were invited here, who built lives here, are now being told they don’t matter,” VanDriver stated, highlighting the moral and humanitarian implications of the policy change.
The situation in Cameroon, while less highlighted, also poses significant risks due to ongoing conflicts and violence. The decision affects approximately 7,000 Cameroonians currently under TPS. Both countries are listed by the U.S. State Department as high-risk areas, with Afghanistan at Level 4: Do Not Travel, and Cameroon at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution.
The Biden administration had previously renewed TPS for Afghans in 2023, but the Trump administration’s latest move reverses this, aligning with its broader immigration policies. This development has sparked outrage among advocates and affected communities, who fear the consequences of forced returns to unsafe environments. As the debate continues, the future for these thousands of individuals remains uncertain, with potential deportations looming on the horizon.