Thousands of Afghans and Cameroonians in the United States 🇺🇸 face the sudden end of their Temporary Protected Status (TPS) after a federal court cleared the Trump administration to move forward with deportations. The decision, delivered by an appeals court on July 21, 2025, removes a legal block and allows the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to begin terminating TPS for these groups, impacting families, workers, and communities across the country.
Who is affected and what happens next?
The court’s ruling means that, starting after 11:59 p.m. on July 21, 2025, the Trump administration can begin deporting Afghans and Cameroonians whose TPS is expiring. According to government estimates, about 14,600 Afghans and 7,900 Cameroonians will lose their protection. However, around 3,600 Afghans and 200 Cameroonians who have become U.S. permanent residents (green card holders) are not affected by this change.
Why is this happening now?
The Trump administration argues that conditions in both Afghanistan 🇦🇫 and Cameroon 🇨🇲 have improved enough to end TPS. In April 2025, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced the plan to terminate TPS for these countries, saying the program must return to its original purpose as a temporary solution. She also cited national security and public safety concerns, including claims of fraud among some TPS recipients.
What is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?
TPS is a humanitarian program that lets people from certain countries live and work legally in the United States 🇺🇸 when their home countries are too dangerous because of war, natural disasters, or other emergencies. TPS is not a permanent status—it is given for a set period (usually 6–18 months) and can be renewed if the dangerous conditions continue.
- Afghanistan: TPS was granted to Afghans in 2023 after the U.S. withdrawal and the Taliban takeover. The Trump administration now says Afghanistan’s security and economy have improved, so TPS is no longer needed.
- Cameroon: TPS was given to Cameroonians because of civil conflict and humanitarian crises. DHS now claims the situation has improved, but many advocacy groups and international observers disagree.
Key Dates for TPS Termination
- Afghanistan: TPS ends in May 2025
- Cameroon: TPS ends on August 4, 2025
TPS granted to Afghans after U.S. withdrawal
DHS Secretary announces plan to terminate TPS
TPS for Afghans ends
Federal court ruling allows deportations to begin
TPS for Cameroonians ends
After these dates, people from these countries who do not have another legal status (like a green card or asylum) will be at risk of deportation.
What does this mean for affected individuals?
When TPS ends, people who do not have another way to stay in the United States 🇺🇸 become subject to removal (deportation) proceedings. This means they could be ordered to leave the country unless they qualify for another type of protection.
Possible options for those losing TPS:
- Apply for asylum: People who fear returning to their home country because of danger or persecution can apply for asylum. This is a separate legal process and not everyone qualifies.
- Withholding of removal: This is another form of protection for people who can show they would face harm if sent back.
- Protection under the Convention Against Torture: This is for people who can prove they would be tortured if returned to their country.
It’s important to know that these options are not automatic. Each requires a separate application and legal process, and approval is not guaranteed.
Legal and Advocacy Response
Immigration advocacy groups, such as CASA, have strongly opposed the Trump administration’s move to end TPS for Afghanistan and Cameroon. They argue that both countries remain unsafe and that the decision is motivated by racial bias and a broader anti-immigrant agenda. These groups have filed lawsuits, claiming the administration’s actions are discriminatory and violate proper procedures.
The recent court decision allows deportations to begin, but the legal fight is not over. The appeals court said that while advocates have a plausible case, there was not enough reason to keep blocking the government’s action while the lawsuit continues. The court also asked the lower court to move quickly to reduce uncertainty for those affected.
Official Statements and Stakeholder Views
- DHS Secretary Kristi Noem: “We are returning TPS to its original, temporary intent. The safety and security of the United States 🇺🇸 must come first. We have seen evidence of fraud among some TPS recipients, and we must ensure the integrity of our immigration system.”
- Advocacy Groups: “Ending TPS for Afghanistan and Cameroon puts thousands at risk of harm or death. These countries are not safe, and this decision is part of a larger effort to reduce humanitarian protections for immigrants,” said a spokesperson for CASA.
- Judiciary: The appeals court recognized the seriousness of the advocates’ claims but said the government could move forward while the case is decided.
Background: How did we get here?
TPS is meant to be a short-term solution for people from countries facing serious problems. Over time, many TPS holders have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for years, building families, working, and contributing to their communities. Some have children who are U.S. citizens. The Trump administration has taken a stricter approach, moving to end TPS for several countries, not just Afghanistan and Cameroon.
- Afghanistan: After the U.S. military left and the Taliban took over in 2021, the United States 🇺🇸 offered TPS to Afghans in 2023. Now, the Trump administration says the situation has improved.
- Cameroon: Despite ongoing reports of violence and humanitarian problems, DHS says Cameroon is safer now. Many experts and advocates disagree, pointing to continued conflict and instability.
What are the practical effects for families and communities?
The end of TPS will have a big impact on thousands of families. Many TPS holders have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for years. They have jobs, homes, and children—some of whom are U.S. citizens. Losing TPS means losing the right to work legally and the constant fear of being separated from loved ones.
Examples of real-life impact:
- Family separation: Parents with TPS may face deportation while their U.S.-born children remain in the country.
- Job loss: Without TPS, people lose their work permits and may not be able to support their families.
- Community disruption: Schools, churches, and neighborhoods lose valued members who have contributed for years.
What should affected individuals do now?
If you or someone you know is losing TPS, it’s important to act quickly:
- Consult an immigration attorney: Legal experts can help you understand your options and file the right paperwork.
- Explore asylum or other relief: If you fear returning to your home country, you may be able to apply for asylum, withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture. Each has its own requirements and deadlines.
- Stay informed: Check the USCIS TPS page for the latest updates and official information.
- Connect with advocacy groups: Organizations like CASA and the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) offer legal clinics and support.
How do you apply for asylum or other relief?
If you decide to apply for asylum, you must file Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal. You can find the official form and instructions on the USCIS website. It’s important to file as soon as possible after losing TPS, as there are strict deadlines.
What about people with green cards or other legal status?
If you already have a green card (permanent residency) or another legal status, the end of TPS does not affect you. According to government data, about 3,600 Afghans and 200 Cameroonians in the United States 🇺🇸 have permanent residency and will not lose their right to stay.
What’s next in the legal battle?
The fight over TPS is not finished. Lawsuits are still moving through the courts, and more decisions could come in the next few months. The appeals court’s ruling means deportations can start, but if advocates win their case, some protections could be restored.
Is there hope for a permanent solution?
Many advocacy groups and lawmakers are pushing for Congress to pass new laws that would give permanent status to long-term TPS holders. So far, no new laws have been passed. The Trump administration is also working to end TPS for other countries, including Honduras, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Haiti. This shows a broader effort to reduce humanitarian protections for immigrants.
What resources are available for those affected?
- Legal help: Contact immigration attorneys, CASA, AILA, or local legal aid groups for advice and representation.
- Official updates: The DHS website provides news and information about TPS and other immigration programs.
- Community support: Many churches, schools, and community groups are offering help to families facing TPS loss.
What should employers and schools know?
Employers should be aware that TPS holders may lose their work authorization and may need to update their records. Schools should prepare to support students whose families are affected by TPS termination, including counseling and legal referrals.
What are the broader policy implications?
Ending TPS for Afghanistan and Cameroon is part of a larger shift in U.S. immigration policy under the Trump administration. The government is moving to limit humanitarian protections and return TPS to its original, temporary purpose. Critics say this ignores the real dangers people face in their home countries and breaks up families who have built lives in the United States 🇺🇸.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the end of TPS for these countries could set a precedent for future decisions, affecting thousands more from other nations. The ongoing legal and political battles will shape the future of humanitarian immigration programs in the United States 🇺🇸.
Key Takeaways for Affected Individuals and Communities
- Act quickly: If you are losing TPS, seek legal advice right away.
- Know your rights: You may be eligible for asylum or other forms of protection, but you must apply.
- Stay informed: Official government websites and trusted advocacy groups are the best sources for updates.
- Support each other: Community organizations are mobilizing to help those at risk.
Conclusion
The court’s decision to let the Trump administration end Temporary Protected Status for Afghanistan and Cameroon marks a turning point for thousands of immigrants in the United States 🇺🇸. While the government argues that conditions have improved, many advocates and affected families say the risks remain high. The coming months will be critical as legal battles continue and families make difficult choices about their futures. For now, those impacted should seek legal help, stay informed, and connect with their communities for support.
For more information on TPS and related immigration programs, visit the USCIS Temporary Protected Status page.
Learn Today
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) → A temporary humanitarian status allowing people from unsafe countries to live and work legally in the US.
Deportation → The enforced removal of a foreign national from the United States by government authorities.
Asylum → Protection granted to people fearing persecution if returned to their home country, requiring legal application.
Withholding of removal → A form of protection preventing deportation for individuals facing serious harm upon return.
Convention Against Torture → An international treaty protecting people from being returned to countries where they might be tortured.
This Article in a Nutshell
The Trump administration can now end TPS for Afghans and Cameroonians, risking deportations for thousands who lack other legal status. Advocacy groups oppose this, citing ongoing dangers in both countries and warning of family separations and job losses across US communities.
— By VisaVerge.com
