Trump Administration Revokes Temporary Protections for Afghans and Cameroonians

The Department of Homeland Security announced the termination of temporary protected status for approximately 14,600 Afghans by May and 7,900 Cameroonians by June. This decision reflects a controversial shift in immigration policy, which has significant implications for vulnerable migrants facing precarious situations.

Thousands of Afghans and Cameroonians are facing uncertain futures as the Trump administration prepares to terminate their temporary protected status (TPS), as recently announced by the US Department of Homeland Security. Secretary Kristi Noem determined that conditions in both Afghanistan and Cameroon no longer warrant the protections previously afforded to these nationals, according to a statement from DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin.

The DHS estimates that roughly 14,600 Afghans will lose their TPS by May, while an estimated 7,900 Cameroonians are set to see their deportation protections end in June. The announcement coincides with a ruling from a US judge allowing the consideration of deporting a university graduate who was detained last month for participating in pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

Temporary protected status is designed for nationals from designated countries experiencing conditions that render safe return home infeasible, such as ongoing violence or natural disasters. Typically granted for up to 18 months, TPS can be renewed by the sitting Homeland Security Secretary, offering individuals protection from deportation and access to work permits.

In September 2023, then-Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas indicated an extension of TPS for Afghans for another 18 months, valid until May 20. However, in a shift, Secretary Noem—after consulting with various US agencies—declared that Afghanistan no longer met the criteria necessary for TPS designation and subsequently terminated it. A similar decision regarding Cameroon's TPS designation occurred on April 7.

Moreover, in a broader maneuver, the Trump administration recently announced plans to revoke the temporary status of over half a million migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. This move follows a Biden-era sponsorship process that allowed many to enter the US.

Individuals affected by these changes, such as Shukriah—a pseudonym to protect her identity—express profound distress over the impending loss of their status. Having fled Afghanistan with her family, Shukriah recounted how the fear of deportation severely impacts her mental health. The email from the DHS, urging her to leave the US immediately, has compounded her anxiety, particularly as she nears the end of her pregnancy.

The Biden administration had originally provided various programs that allowed Afghans to seek refuge in the US following the Taliban's takeover. However, with shifting policies and the end of protections, many like Shukriah are left in limbo, struggling to navigate their complicated situations.

Shukriah’s experience is a poignant reflection of a broader immigration landscape shaped by the Trump administration's focus on mass deportation—an agenda that has continued to focalize public discussions. Recent data revealed that in the opening month since Trump’s return to office, immigration enforcement efforts marked a significant spike, revealing an ongoing commitment to stringent immigration control.

As tensions surrounding immigration continue to evolve, the future of those relying on temporary protected status demarcates a critical crossroads. Activists and legal representatives are advocating for affected individuals, aiming to safeguard their rights and secure a more humane approach to immigration in a time of global uncertainty.