Trump Administration Ends Temporary Protections for Afghan, Cameroonian Migrants

Trump Administration Ends Temporary Protection for Afghan and Cameroonian Migrants

The Trump administration has decided to end the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for over 10,000 people from Afghanistan and Cameroon, potentially leading to their deportation in May and June, according to Homeland Security officials. The move is part of a larger crackdown on immigration, with the administration arguing that the program is being misused to let people reside in the US indefinitely. Earlier this year, attempts were made to exclude Venezuelans from TPS and reduce the protections duration for Haitians.

However, the decision may face legal obstacles. Judge Edward M. Chen, a federal court judge in San Francisco, temporarily stopped the Trump administration from terminating TPS for Venezuelans earlier this month.

Legal Challenges and Economic Impact

In his decision, Judge Chen warned that the administration’s efforts could cause severe disruption to individuals and families, cost billions in terms of economic activity, and harm public health and safety. Lawyers contesting the Trump administration’s decision on Venezuela indicated they would scrutinize the recent actions taken by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

“We will scrutinize the terminations to ensure compliance with the TPS statute in determining Afghanistan and Cameroon’s safety for returns,” said Ahilan Arulanantham, an attorney in the case.

Biden Administration’s TPS Decisions

The Biden administration first granted TPS to migrants from Afghanistan in 2022, following the Taliban’s takeover. In 2023, protections were extended due to ongoing conflict, scarcity of food and healthcare, and destroyed infrastructure. Similar protections were provided to Cameroonians in 2023 due to ongoing conflict in the country.

Around 9,000 Afghans and 3,000 Cameroonians had TPS as of late last year, states the Congressional Research Service.

The Latest TPS Terminations

On March 21, Homeland Security decided that Afghanistan no longer met the requirements for its TPS designation, resulting in its termination, according to agency spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin. TPS for Cameroon was terminated earlier this week by Secretary Noem.

Immigration expert Julia Gelatt warns of significant impacts on the Afghan community, potentially pushing thousands into the overburdened asylum system if their TPS is revoked.