In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration has moved to end Temporary Protected Status for Afghans and Cameroonians, affecting over 22,000 migrants. This marks a sharp change in U.S. immigration policy amidst ongoing concerns about safety in home countries and the legal ramifications for those opposing government actions.
Trump Administration Rescinds Deportation Protections for Afghan and Cameroonian Nationals
Trump Administration Rescinds Deportation Protections for Afghan and Cameroonian Nationals
A critical decision by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security paves the way for thousands of migrants to face deportation as protections are stripped away.
Thousands of Afghans and Cameroonians are set to lose their Temporary Protected Status (TPS) as a result of new directives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Secretary Kristi Noem asserted that the conditions in both countries no longer justified such protections, leading to an alarming announcement for many migrants. Approximately 14,600 Afghans will lose their TPS in May and around 7,900 Cameroonians in June.
The TPS program is intended for individuals from countries experiencing crises like armed conflict or environmental disasters, providing them shelter and work permits in the U.S. Noem's ruling comes closely on the heels of a federal ruling that allows deportation of a university graduate involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations, further showcasing the administration's tightened controls on immigration.
In September 2023, former Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas had announced an extension of TPS for Afghans for an additional 18 months. However, Noem's recent review has abruptly shifted the landscape for these individuals. The reassessment reportedly stems from the Taliban's regained power in Afghanistan, prompting the termination of TPS for both nations.
The Trump administration's revocations are part of a broader trend impacting migrants from several countries, including Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. Over 700,000 had secured entry into the U.S. under the Biden administration's CHNV program but now face potential expulsion.
Personal stories reflect the anxiety caused by these changes. Shukriah, an Afghan asylum seeker in Washington D.C., expressed deep distress over the uncertainty surrounding her family’s future amid a backdrop of fear regarding deportation.
As immigration control remains a cornerstone of Trump's policies, the administration has targeted more than just TPS holders. International students have also faced challenges, with many visas revoked amid crackdowns on student protests.
In this politically charged climate, the conversation surrounding U.S. immigration policy continues to evolve, centering around complex legal and humanitarian questions that impact countless lives. The struggle for many is compounded by the apparent unpredictability and harshness of current regulations.
