Trump Administration Ends Temporary Protections for Afghans and Cameroonians

The decision, announced by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, affects approximately 14,600 Afghans and 7,900 Cameroonians who will lose their temporary deportation protections in the coming months. The reversal comes amidst broader immigration policy changes under the Trump administration, extending its focus on deportation and enforcement.

Thousands of Afghans and Cameroonians are facing the imminent loss of their Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in the United States, as announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This substantial policy shift, led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, has been met with widespread concern among affected communities.

According to DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin, the review of current conditions in Afghanistan and Cameroon led to the conclusion that these countries no longer meet the criteria for TPS. As a result, an estimated 14,600 Afghans will lose their protections in May, followed by approximately 7,900 Cameroonians in June. This decision aligns with a recent ruling regarding the deportation of individuals linked with pro-Palestinian activism, highlighting the administration’s aggressive stance on immigration enforcement.

Temporary Protected Status is granted to nationals of countries experiencing conflicts or disasters that render it unsafe for them to return. TPS typically lasts for up to 18 months and can be renewed by the incumbent Homeland Security secretary. The previous secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, had initially announced an extension for Afghan TPS holders until May 2024 but was overturned by Noem, who cited an assessment from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regarding the changing conditions in Afghanistan following the Taliban's takeover.

Noem also issued a similar termination for Cameroon’s TPS designation shortly thereafter. Under the Trump administration, there has been a broad effort to revoke the status of over half a million migrants from countries like Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, further emphasizing the ongoing crackdown on immigration protections.

Shukriah, an Afghan who fled the Taliban regime, expressed her distress upon receiving an eviction notice from DHS. Living in the U.S. with her family since January 2023, she fears the consequences of deportation and the impact on her and her children’s future.

In recent months, the administration has ramped up deportations, with data indicating a significant increase in removals compared to previous months under the Biden administration. Immigration policy remains a cornerstone of Trump’s governance, shaping the lives of countless individuals waiting to secure asylum in the United States.

As the situation unfolds, many are left scrambling for resources and clarity regarding the next steps in an increasingly hostile immigration landscape, filled with uncertainty about their legal status and safety.