The Trump administration has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 14,600 Afghans and 7,900 Cameroonians, with affected individuals given limited time to prepare for deportation.
Trump Administration Ends Temporary Protections for Afghans and Cameroonians
Trump Administration Ends Temporary Protections for Afghans and Cameroonians
Thousands will lose their temporary protected status as the U.S. Homeland Security cites changed conditions in their home countries.
The article text:
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed that temporary deportation protections for thousands of Afghans and Cameroonians will come to an end. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the conditions in Afghanistan and Cameroon no longer justify the continued protected status in a recent announcement. This decision will impact an estimated 14,600 Afghans, who are set to lose protections by May, and around 7,900 Cameroonians, who will see their status expire in June.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is typically granted to nationals from countries experiencing widespread conflict or natural disasters, making it unsafe for them to return. Protections under TPS can last for up to 18 months and can be renewed by the secretary of homeland security, providing essential deportation protection and access to work permits. However, Noem's decision revoking TPS for Afghanistan follows a review of conditions in the country, which has been under Taliban control for nearly four years. A similar assessment led to the cancellation of TPS for Cameroon.
This announcement coincides with a U.S. court ruling permitting the Trump administration to deport individuals linked to pro-Palestinian protests, raising concerns about the broader implications of immigration enforcement. McLaughlin, a DHS assistant secretary, indicated that Noem conducted discussions with other government agencies before concluding that Afghanistan no longer met the criteria for TPS designation as of March 21.
Last month, the administration took further steps to revoke the temporary status of over half a million migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. These migrants had secured admissions through a Biden-era sponsorship process known as CHNV, which has since been suspended.
Amid shifting policies, Shukriah, an Afghan journalist residing in Washington, D.C., expressed distress over the implications for her family. She revealed that after escaping the Taliban, she received notifications instructing her to leave the U.S. "immediately," leaving her in a state of fear for her family's future.
The evolving immigration policies related to TPS and broader deportation measures were central to Trump's campaign, and recent reports highlight a noticeable uptick in deportations early in his second term. The complexities surrounding such cases have raised questions among activists and legal advocates regarding the rights of those subjected to these changes.
In addition to broadening deportation efforts, the Trump administration has also targeted the visas of international students amidst ongoing tensions pertaining to political protests. A notable incident involved Mahmoud Khalil, a legal permanent resident, who was ruled eligible for deportation following his involvement in advocating for Palestinian rights, prompting pushback from his legal representatives.
This evolving landscape of U.S. immigration policy continues to spark concern and uncertainty for thousands navigating their futures in America.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has confirmed that temporary deportation protections for thousands of Afghans and Cameroonians will come to an end. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the conditions in Afghanistan and Cameroon no longer justify the continued protected status in a recent announcement. This decision will impact an estimated 14,600 Afghans, who are set to lose protections by May, and around 7,900 Cameroonians, who will see their status expire in June.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is typically granted to nationals from countries experiencing widespread conflict or natural disasters, making it unsafe for them to return. Protections under TPS can last for up to 18 months and can be renewed by the secretary of homeland security, providing essential deportation protection and access to work permits. However, Noem's decision revoking TPS for Afghanistan follows a review of conditions in the country, which has been under Taliban control for nearly four years. A similar assessment led to the cancellation of TPS for Cameroon.
This announcement coincides with a U.S. court ruling permitting the Trump administration to deport individuals linked to pro-Palestinian protests, raising concerns about the broader implications of immigration enforcement. McLaughlin, a DHS assistant secretary, indicated that Noem conducted discussions with other government agencies before concluding that Afghanistan no longer met the criteria for TPS designation as of March 21.
Last month, the administration took further steps to revoke the temporary status of over half a million migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. These migrants had secured admissions through a Biden-era sponsorship process known as CHNV, which has since been suspended.
Amid shifting policies, Shukriah, an Afghan journalist residing in Washington, D.C., expressed distress over the implications for her family. She revealed that after escaping the Taliban, she received notifications instructing her to leave the U.S. "immediately," leaving her in a state of fear for her family's future.
The evolving immigration policies related to TPS and broader deportation measures were central to Trump's campaign, and recent reports highlight a noticeable uptick in deportations early in his second term. The complexities surrounding such cases have raised questions among activists and legal advocates regarding the rights of those subjected to these changes.
In addition to broadening deportation efforts, the Trump administration has also targeted the visas of international students amidst ongoing tensions pertaining to political protests. A notable incident involved Mahmoud Khalil, a legal permanent resident, who was ruled eligible for deportation following his involvement in advocating for Palestinian rights, prompting pushback from his legal representatives.
This evolving landscape of U.S. immigration policy continues to spark concern and uncertainty for thousands navigating their futures in America.
