In a decision that has sent shockwaves through immigrant communities and human rights organizations alike, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for thousands of Afghans and Cameroonians has been officially ended by the Trump administration. The announcement was made by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on April 11, 2025, triggering fear, uncertainty, and widespread concern for the future of those affected.
What Is TPS and Why It Matters
TPS, or Temporary Protected Status, is a humanitarian program that was created to safeguard individuals from nations facing war, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. Under this status, eligible nationals are protected from deportation and are allowed to live and work legally in the United States for a temporary period. TPS is not a path to permanent residency, but it has provided essential relief for people fleeing violence and instability.
TPS was granted to Afghans in 2022 following the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Taliban’s rapid return to power. Cameroonians were offered the same protection as a result of the devastating conflict and humanitarian crisis caused by the civil war between government forces and separatist militias.
What Has Been Announced
According to the Trump administration, TPS for Afghan nationals will be terminated by May 2025, while protections for Cameroonians will end in June. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem explained that the decision was based on a reassessment of country conditions, claiming that both nations no longer meet the criteria needed for TPS to continue.
However, the timing and justification behind the decision have been heavily criticized by advocacy groups, legal experts, and some lawmakers, who argue that the conditions in both Afghanistan and Cameroon remain life-threatening and unstable.
How Many People Will Be Affected
It is estimated that roughly 14,600 Afghans and 7,900 Cameroonians are currently protected under TPS in the United States. The revocation of this status means they will soon lose both legal protection from deportation and work authorization. Many of these individuals have been in the U.S. for years, raising families, building careers, and contributing to their communities. Their futures have now been thrown into turmoil.
Conditions in Afghanistan and Cameroon Remain Dangerous
Despite the government’s claims, experts have warned that both Afghanistan and Cameroon continue to be unsafe.
Afghanistan remains under Taliban control, where women and girls are denied education, freedom of movement, and employment. Human rights abuses, persecution of minorities, and economic collapse have all been reported since the U.S. exit.
In Cameroon, violence persists as the conflict between Anglophone separatists and government forces continues to escalate. Civilians have been caught in the crossfire, and humanitarian conditions have been described as dire by international organizations.
Widespread Condemnation from Rights Groups
The move has been described by many as “heartless” and “politically motivated.” Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, the president of Global Refuge, stated that “ending TPS for Afghans is a betrayal of allies who supported American efforts and values. This decision is morally indefensible.”
Numerous organizations are calling for the decision to be reversed, citing the deep risks posed to those being forced to return. Legal pathways for permanent residency or asylum are being explored by immigration attorneys and advocates, though options remain limited for many.
Political and Legal Implications
The Trump administration has consistently prioritized stricter immigration policies, and this decision aligns with a broader agenda aimed at reducing humanitarian protections and legal migration routes. Similar attempts have been made to end TPS for other nations, including Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Haiti—though many were halted or delayed due to legal challenges.
Lawmakers in both the House and Senate have voiced opposition, with some calling for emergency legislation to reinstate protections or provide a path to permanent residency for long-term TPS holders.
What Happens Next?
With TPS ending soon, many Afghans and Cameroonians are left facing a harsh reality. Unless new legal protections are introduced, thousands may be forced to return to dangerous environments or live in the U.S. without documentation, facing deportation at any time.
Immigration advocates are urging those affected to seek legal counsel immediately, explore asylum options, and stay informed about any policy updates. For now, fear and uncertainty have become a daily reality for many who had once found safety and hope on American soil.
Keywords: TPS ended for Afghans, TPS canceled for Cameroonians, Trump administration immigration policy, Afghanistan deportation risks, Cameroon conflict refugees, Temporary Protected Status USA 2025
