Trump administration terminates temporary protected status for Afghan and Cameroonian nationals.

In a significant policy shift, the administration of President Donald Trump has announced plans to terminate legal protections for thousands of individuals from Afghanistan and Cameroon residing in the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed on Friday that approximately 14,600 Afghans and 7,900 Cameroonians currently benefitting from Temporary Protected Status (TPS) will see their protections rescinded.

Temporary Protected Status is a designation that allows individuals to remain in the U.S. when their home countries are deemed unsafe for return due to ongoing conflict, natural disasters, or unforeseen circumstances. However, the Trump administration has signaled a broader initiative aimed at curbing immigration, both legal and unauthorized, by targeting TPS protections across various nationalities since taking office in January.

According to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the administration asserts that the conditions in Afghanistan and Cameroon have changed sufficiently to warrant the cessation of TPS. Nevertheless, experts and humanitarian groups have voiced concerns regarding the security climate in both nations. In Cameroon, conflict has intensified since 2017 due to a civil war between the government and separatist forces, leading to significant human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings and widespread displacement.

Regarding Afghanistan, the situation remains precarious following the Taliban’s emergence as the ruling power since the withdrawal of U.S. and allied forces in 2021. Reports of human rights violations, particularly against women and former government affiliates, have raised alarms about the safety and well-being of potential returnees. Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, president of the nonprofit Global Refuge, characterized the decision to revoke TPS for Afghans as a “morally indefensible betrayal,” highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis that continues to afflict the nation.

The implications of these changes could be profound. While over 82,000 Afghans were evacuated to the U.S., most were granted temporary legal status due to their direct association with American military or governmental operations. The loss of TPS could significantly impact many who seek safety, particularly those who contributed to U.S. efforts in Afghanistan.

Political leaders from various perspectives have united in calling for expanded legal pathways for Afghan individuals seeking refuge, especially those closely associated with U.S. military forces. Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers have also urged the administration to reconsider its position regarding Cameroonians, who face ongoing violence in their home country.

Despite the Trump administration’s narrative that these moves restore the rule of law, critiques persist, pointing to the attempt to dismantle immigration programs established under previous administrations. The current atmosphere raises questions about the future of TPS and its role in protecting vulnerable populations fleeing strife and persecution.

As this issue develops, the need for a more nuanced approach to immigration and refugee protection remains critical, ensuring that humanitarian considerations take precedence.

#WorldNews #MiddleEastNews