Thousands of Cameroonian nationals in the United States 🇺🇸 face a critical deadline as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) moves to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Cameroon. On August 4, 2025, the protected status and work authorization for about 5,200 Cameroonians will expire, leaving many at risk of deportation unless they secure another legal status. This decision follows a recent court ruling that allows the Trump administration to proceed with the termination, despite strong opposition from advocacy groups and legal challenges.
What Is Happening and Why Now?
The DHS announced the end of Temporary Protected Status for Cameroon after reviewing conditions in the country. Officials say that while some conflict remains, safety has improved in most regions, so Cameroon no longer meets the requirements for TPS under U.S. law. The official notice was published on June 4, 2025, giving TPS holders a 60-day transition period to prepare for the change.
Who Is Affected?
- About 5,200 Cameroonian nationals currently hold TPS in the United States 🇺🇸.
- Roughly 200 Cameroonians have already received green cards and will not be affected by the termination.
- The rest must find another way to stay legally in the country or face removal after August 4, 2025.
Employment Authorization: What Changes?
TPS holders from Cameroon have been able to work legally in the United States 🇺🇸 using Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). These documents have been automatically extended through August 4, 2025. After this date, unless individuals secure another legal status, their work authorization will end. Employers must reverify the work status of Cameroonian TPS holders before allowing them to continue working past the deadline.
How Did We Get Here? A Look Back
Cameroon first received TPS on June 7, 2022, because of armed conflict and dangerous conditions. The status was extended and redesignated in October 2023, covering those present in the United States 🇺🇸 as of October 5, 2023. The most recent extension was set to last until June 7, 2025. However, after a new review in June 2025, DHS decided that Cameroon no longer met the requirements for TPS, leading to the current termination.
Legal Developments and Court Rulings
On July 22, 2025, a U.S. appellate court ruled that the Trump administration could move forward with ending TPS for Cameroon (and Afghanistan). The court said that the administration has the power to decide when a country no longer qualifies for TPS. Advocacy groups, including CASA, have challenged this decision, arguing that it puts lives at risk and may be motivated by discrimination. Despite these efforts, the termination is set to proceed as planned.
What Happens Next for Cameroonian TPS Holders?
After August 4, 2025, Cameroonian nationals who do not have another legal status will be subject to removal (deportation) from the United States 🇺🇸. TPS does not provide a direct path to permanent residency, so affected individuals must act quickly to explore other options.
Alternative Immigration Options
Cameroonian TPS holders may be eligible for:
- Asylum: If you fear returning to Cameroon because of danger or persecution, you may apply for asylum. The time spent in TPS counts as an “extraordinary circumstance,” so you can still apply even if you have been in the United States 🇺🇸 for more than one year. However, you must apply within a reasonable time after losing TPS.
- Family-Based Adjustment: If you have close family members who are U.S. citizens or green card holders, you may qualify for a family-based green card.
- Employment-Based Adjustment: Some may qualify for work-based green cards if they have a job offer and meet certain requirements.
- Other Relief: There may be other forms of relief, such as Special Immigrant Juvenile Status or protection under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), depending on your situation.
It is very important to consult with an immigration attorney or a trusted legal organization to understand your options and file any necessary applications before the deadline.
Employment Authorization: What Employers and Employees Need to Know
- EAD Validity: TPS-related EADs with a June 7, 2025, expiration date are valid through August 4, 2025.
- Proof of Work Authorization: TPS holders should show their EAD and a copy of the Federal Register notice to employers as proof of work authorization until the termination date.
- I-9 Compliance: Employers must reverify work authorization for Cameroonian TPS holders before August 5, 2025. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provides detailed instructions for employers and employees on I-9 compliance and what documents are acceptable. For more information, visit the USCIS Cameroon TPS page.
Legal Help and Community Support
Several organizations offer free or low-cost legal help to Cameroonian TPS holders:
- Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM): Offers legal advice and help with applications. Website: www.ilcm.org | Phone: (651) 641-1011
- CASA: Provides legal services and advocacy for TPS holders. Website: www.wearecasa.org/legal-services-for-tps-for-cameroon
These groups can help you understand your rights, explore your options, and file the right paperwork before the deadline.
Advocacy and Opposition
Advocacy groups have strongly opposed the end of TPS for Cameroon. CASA and others argue that many parts of Cameroon remain unsafe and that sending people back could put them in danger. They have called for Congress to pass new laws that would give TPS holders a path to permanent residency. So far, no new laws have been passed, but advocacy efforts continue.
DHS and Government Position
The Department of Homeland Security says that TPS is meant to be temporary and that the decision to end it is based on improved safety in Cameroon. DHS officials stress that they review country conditions regularly and follow the law when deciding whether to continue or end TPS for any country.
What Should Cameroonian TPS Holders Do Now?
If you are a Cameroonian TPS holder, here are the steps you should take right away:
- Consult a Legal Expert: Talk to an immigration attorney or a trusted legal aid group as soon as possible.
- Review Your Options: Check if you qualify for asylum, family-based, or employment-based immigration benefits.
- Prepare for Work Authorization Changes: Make sure you and your employer know that your work authorization ends on August 4, 2025, unless you get another status.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from USCIS and legal service providers to keep up with any changes or new opportunities.
For Employers:
- Reverify Work Authorization: Before August 5, 2025, check the work status of Cameroonian TPS holders.
- Support Employees: Help affected employees find legal resources and understand their options.
- Follow Official Guidance: Use the Federal Register notice and USCIS instructions for I-9 compliance.
Key Dates and Facts at a Glance
Cameroon first received TPS
TPS was extended and redesignated
Official notice of TPS termination published
Court ruled to allow termination of TPS
TPS and work authorization for Cameroonians expire
- TPS Termination Effective Date: August 4, 2025
- Number of Cameroonian TPS Holders: About 5,200 (with 200 already having green cards)
- Work Authorization Valid Through: August 4, 2025
- Court Ruling Date: July 22, 2025
- Main Reason for Termination: Improved safety in most regions of Cameroon
- Next Steps for Affected Individuals: Seek alternative status or face removal
- Legal Assistance: ILCM, CASA, immigration attorneys
- Official USCIS Resource: USCIS Cameroon TPS page
What Are the Risks?
Legal experts warn that Cameroonian TPS holders who do not act quickly may face serious risks, including loss of work authorization and deportation. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the end of TPS for Cameroon highlights the importance of seeking legal help and understanding all available options before the deadline.
Possible Future Developments
- Further Legal Action: Advocacy groups may continue to fight the termination in court or push for new laws in Congress, but as of now, the end of TPS is set to proceed.
- Congressional Action: There is ongoing advocacy for laws that would give TPS holders a path to permanent residency, but no new laws have been passed yet.
- Individual Relief: Each TPS holder’s situation is different. Some may qualify for asylum or other forms of relief, but it is important to act quickly and get legal advice.
Quotes from Stakeholders
- DHS Statement: “TPS is a temporary measure, and its termination is based on statutory criteria and country conditions.”
- Advocacy Group Response: “Conditions in Cameroon remain unsafe for many. Mass deportations could endanger lives,” says a CASA spokesperson.
- Legal Expert Advice: “TPS holders should seek individualized legal advice and act before the August 4, 2025, deadline,” urges an attorney from ILCM.
Background: What Is Temporary Protected Status?
Temporary Protected Status is a program that lets people from certain countries stay and work in the United States 🇺🇸 when their home country is unsafe because of war, disaster, or other problems. TPS is not a permanent status and does not lead directly to a green card. When the U.S. government decides that a country is safe again, it can end TPS, and people must find another way to stay or leave the country.
How to Apply for Asylum or Other Relief
If you want 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. If you are applying for a family-based green card, you may need to file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, which is available here. Always check the official USCIS website for the latest forms and instructions.
Where to Get More Information
- USCIS Cameroon TPS Information: USCIS Cameroon TPS page
- Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota: www.ilcm.org | (651) 641-1011
- CASA Legal Services: www.wearecasa.org/legal-services-for-tps-for-cameroon
Conclusion: Immediate Steps and Takeaways
The end of Temporary Protected Status for Cameroon is a life-changing event for thousands of people living and working in the United States 🇺🇸. With the deadline fast approaching, affected individuals must act quickly to protect themselves and their families. The most important steps are to seek legal advice, explore all possible immigration options, and prepare for changes in work authorization. Employers should also support their employees during this transition and follow all legal requirements.
Staying informed and acting early can make a big difference. For the latest updates and official guidance, visit the USCIS Cameroon TPS page or contact a trusted legal service provider. If you or someone you know is affected, do not wait—get help now to understand your rights and options before the August 4, 2025, deadline.
Learn Today
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) → A temporary immigration status allowing displaced persons to live and work legally in the U.S.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) → A card granting temporary work permission to eligible noncitizens in the United States.
Adjustment of Status → The process for eligible immigrants to become lawful permanent residents without leaving the U.S.
Asylum → A protection granted to those fearing persecution in their home country, allowing stay in the U.S.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency managing legal immigration benefits and enforcement.
This Article in a Nutshell
The U.S. DHS ends TPS for Cameroon on August 4, 2025, affecting 5,200 holders’ legal status and work. Court approval enables this termination despite opposition. Affected individuals must explore asylum, family, or employment options before deportation risks increase post-deadline.
— By VisaVerge.com
