DHS Ends Temporary Protected Status for Cameroon

Overview of Temporary Protected Status

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) provides relief to nationals of countries where armed conflict, environmental disaster or other extraordinary conditions prevent safe return. Under Section 244 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the Department of Homeland Security grants Temporary Protected Status when conditions in a foreign country meet statutory criteria. TPS safeguards eligible individuals from removal, allows work authorization and supports community stability.

Why DHS Ends Temporary Protected Status for Cameroon

On June 3, 2025, DHS published a Federal Register notice to terminate Temporary Protected Status for Cameroon. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem concluded that Cameroon no longer meets statutory requirements for Temporary Protected Status. She based her decision on an interagency review of country conditions, including security, humanitarian and human rights factors. DHS must end TPS when improvements in country conditions render protection unnecessary.

Key Dates for Temporary Protected Status Termination

1. Federal Register publication: June 4, 2025

2. TPS termination effective date: August 4, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. local time

3. Voluntary departure reporting begins: August 5, 2025, via CBP Home app

Impact on Cameroonian Nationals

Cameroonian nationals and stateless persons who last resided in Cameroon lose Temporary Protected Status on August 4, 2025. TPS holders receive Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) under category A12 or C19. EADs expiring on June 7, 2025 remain valid through August 4, 2025. After termination, EADs lose validity. Individuals must seek alternate immigration status or depart voluntarily to avoid removal proceedings.

Steps for Cameroonian Nationals to Prepare

1. Review EAD details on the USCIS TPS page

2. Download CBP Home app and register for voluntary departure reporting

3. Consult an accredited immigration attorney for guidance.

4. Explore alternative visa options, including family- or employer-sponsored visas.

5. Assemble documents: TPS approval notices, EADs, passport, travel records.

Alternative Pathways After Temporary Protected Status Ends

1. Adjustment of Status
   Eligible individuals with U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident family members can file Form I-485 after a visa petition approval.

2. Asylum or Withholding of Removal
   Persons fearing return to Cameroon may apply for asylum within one year of arrival or demonstrate persecution risk.

3. Nonimmigrant Visas
   Apply for F-1 student visas or H-1B specialty occupation visas if requirements are met.

4. U Visa for Crime Victims
   Crime victims assisting law enforcement may qualify for U nonimmigrant status.

5. Voluntary Departure
   Report departure via CBP Home app by August 5, 2025 and depart before receiving removal orders.

Statutory Criteria for Temporary Protected Status

DHS grants Temporary Protected Status under three grounds:

1. Ongoing armed conflict in country of nationality.

2. Environmental disaster or epidemic.

3. Extraordinary and temporary conditions.
   Secretary Noem determined that Cameroon’s security, humanitarian and human rights landscape improved sufficiently to revoke protection.

How to Track Temporary Protected Status Updates

• Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov

• USCIS TPS Alerts: https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts

• CBP Mobile App: in-app alerts for voluntary departure

Economic Contributions of TPS Holders

Temporary Protected Status holders contribute to the U.S. economy through work and taxes. According to DHS, TPS beneficiaries generated over $10 billion in household income and paid $1.3 billion in federal taxes in 2021. Many work in health care, hospitality, construction and logistics. Loss of TPS may create labor shortages and impact tax revenues.

Legal Challenges

Advocates filed suits to block TPS terminations for Cameroon and other countries. Federal courts in California and New York issued stays on some terminations. Legal outcomes may extend TPS or require DHS to reconsider termination. Cameroonian TPS holders should monitor litigation and seek legal updates.

Role of Federal Agencies in TPS Administration

• DHS (Department of Homeland Security) reviews country conditions and issues TPS designations or terminations.

• USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) processes TPS applications (Form I-821) and issues EADs (Form I-765).

• CBP (Customs and Border Protection) manages voluntary departure reporting via the CBP Home app.

• Federal Register publishes official notices, including the August 4 termination date in docket number DHS-2025-0005.

Community and Employer Guidance

1. Employers should verify EAD validity before August 4, 2025 and plan for workforce adjustments.

2. Schools and Health Providers must update guidance for TPS students and patients losing status.

3. Local Governments and NGOs can offer legal clinics, job fairs and document workshops.

4. Faith-Based and Community Groups can provide translation and counseling services.

Risks of Staying Without Status After Temporary Protected Status Ends

Individuals who remain after TPS termination without other valid status face:

• Removal proceedings before an immigration judge.

• Ineligibility for most relief forms, including asylum, without a timely application.

• Bars on reentry for periods up to 10 years.

Preparing for Removal Proceedings

1. Consult an immigration attorney immediately.

2. Gather evidence: identity, residence, hardship to family members.

3. Consider motions to reopen or stay of removal if litigation affects TPS.

4. Submit Form EOIR-42 for fee waivers if needed.

Travel Warnings and Conditions in Cameroon

The U.S. Department of State issues travel advisories. As of June 2025, Cameroon holds a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” warning due to terrorism and crime. View advisories at Travel.State.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Reapply for TPS If Conditions Worsen?
   DHS may re-designate countries if conditions deteriorate. No automatic reentry for former TPS holders.

2. Does TPS Grant a Path to Green Card?
   No. TPS is temporary and does not lead directly to permanent residence. Adjustment requires separate eligibility.

3. What Happens If I File an Adjustment Petition Before TPS Ends?
   You may continue to work if your underlying petition remains pending and you hold valid TPS-based EAD.

4. Can I Travel Abroad with TPS?
   Yes, with advance parole approval from USCIS before departure.

Conclusion

Termination of Temporary Protected Status for Cameroon takes effect on August 4, 2025. Nationals must act now to protect their status, work authorization and legal standing. They must review EAD validity, report voluntary departure if needed and explore alternative immigration pathways. Employers and communities should prepare for changes in workforce composition. Legal challenges may alter termination, but individuals cannot rely on uncertain outcomes. Contact Maple Crest Law for guidance on Temporary Protected Status and next steps.