The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for thousands of nationals from Afghanistan and Cameroon, placing them at risk of deportation in the coming months.
According to DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has determined that current conditions in Afghanistan and Cameroon no longer warrant an extension of TPS.
As a result, approximately 14,600 Afghan nationals and 7,900 Cameroonian nationals—previously eligible under the programme—are expected to lose their protection from deportation by May and June respectively.
TPS is a form of humanitarian relief granted to individuals from countries facing extraordinary conditions such as armed conflict or environmental disasters. While in effect, it permits recipients to live and work legally in the United States and protects them from removal. The status is typically granted for 6 to 18 months and may be extended depending on conditions in the home country.
The decision to revoke TPS for these nationals is seen as part of a broader tightening of immigration policies under the administration of President Donald Trump. In total, more than 22,000 individuals from Afghanistan and Cameroon could be affected by the move, potentially facing deportation within the next two months.
The development has drawn concern from human rights groups and immigration advocates, who argue that returning individuals to regions still experiencing instability could place lives at risk.
