A U.S. federal appeals panel has cleared the path for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designations for nationals of Cameroon and Afghanistan.
The decision puts roughly 8,000 Cameroonian and 14,600 Afghan TPS holders at risk of deportation. This article explains the ruling, outlines key dates, details legal options, and offers practical steps for affected individuals.
Understanding Temporary Protected Status and Deportation
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) allows nationals of certain countries to live and work in the United States when conditions in their homelands prevent safe return.
DHS evaluates each country’s situation—such as armed conflict, natural disaster, or other extraordinary conditions—before granting or extending TPS.
Once DHS ends TPS for a country, its nationals lose legal status and work authorization. At that point, failure to secure another valid status can lead to deportation.
Cameroon TPS Designation
On February 16, 2024, the Department of Homeland Security designated Cameroon for Temporary Protected Status.
This designation allowed nationals fleeing armed conflict and serious human rights violations to remain and work legally in the United States.
Nearly 8,000 Cameroonian applicants registered under this program, securing protection from removal and access to employment authorization documents.
Afghanistan TPS Designation
Afghanistan received TPS on March 16, 2022, in response to ongoing violence and instability following the 2021 regime change.
This status has shielded approximately 14,600 Afghan nationals from deportation, granting them work permits and the ability to travel with advance parole.
| Country | TPS Start Date | Registered Nationals | TPS End Date (Scheduled) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cameroon | February 16, 2024 | 8,000 | August 4, 2025 |
| Afghanistan | March 16, 2022 | 14,600 | August 4, 2025 |
Court Ruling and Impact on Deportation
On July 21, 2025, a three‑judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled that DHS may terminate TPS for Cameroonians and Afghans as planned.
Though CASA (Coalition for the American-Somali Action) argued that the termination would cause irreparable harm, the court found the evidence insufficient to delay the termination. As a result:
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TPS Termination becomes effective at 11:59 p.m. on August 4, 2025.
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After that date, TPS holders lose:
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Work authorization.
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Protection from removal.
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Without another status, DHS may begin removal proceedings, leading to deportation.
Key Dates and Deadlines
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 6, 2025 | DHS announced intention to end TPS for Cameroon & Afghanistan. |
| July 21, 2025 | Fifth Circuit appeals panel upheld TPS termination. |
| August 4, 2025 | Official TPS end date at 11:59 p.m. local time. |
| August 5, 2025 | TPS holders become subject to removal proceedings and deportation. |
Immediate Steps to Avoid Deportation
Affected individuals must act now to prevent forced removal. Follow these practical steps:
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Assess Current Status
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Check your I-94 record online.
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Confirm your TPS expiration date.
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Explore Alternative Relief
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Apply for asylum, if eligible.
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Seek adjustment of status (e.g., family‑based petition).
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Investigate U visa or T visa options for crime or trafficking victims.
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File Extension or Change of Status
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If you have pending applications, notify USCIS of any changes.
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Consult an Immigration Attorney
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Legal advice can guide you through complex options and deadlines.
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Legal Pathways to Prevent Deportation
Many TPS holders qualify for other immigration benefits. Below are common avenues:
| Relief Option | Description | Resource |
|---|---|---|
| Asylum | Protection for those fearing persecution due to race, religion, nationality, etc. | https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/asylum |
| Adjustment of Status | Permanent residency through family or employment sponsorship. | https://www.uscis.gov/green-card |
| U Visa | Relief for crime victims who cooperate with law enforcement. | https://www.uscis.gov/u-visa |
| T Visa | Relief for victims of human trafficking. | https://www.uscis.gov/t-visa |
| Special Immigrant | Categories include religious workers and certain long‑term residents. | https://www.uscis.gov/special-immigrant |
Each option carries its own eligibility criteria and deadlines. Missing a deadline or filing incomplete documents can lead to deportation.
Preparing for Possible Deportation Proceedings
If other relief options fall through, you may enter removal proceedings in immigration court. Careful preparation can protect your rights and improve your chance to stay.
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Gather Essential Documents
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Collect your birth certificate, passport biographical pages, marriage certificate, and any children’s birth certificates.
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Include your latest TPS approval notice and Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
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Add proof of continuous residence such as rental agreements, utility bills, pay stubs, and tax records.
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File Form G‑28 to Authorize Representation
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Complete and submit Form G‑28, Notice of Entry of Appearance, so DHS and the court know you have legal counsel or an accredited representative.
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A recognized attorney or accredited representative can argue on your behalf and file motions to reopen or stay removal.
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Draft Your Personal Declaration
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Write a first‑person statement outlining your history in the U.S., ties to the community, and reasons you cannot return home.
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Stick to facts: include dates, places, and names.
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Explain any hardships your family would face if you face deportation.
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Attend All Scheduled Hearings
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Note each hearing date and time on a calendar.
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Arrive early, bring your original documents, and dress professionally.
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Missing a single hearing can trigger an in‑absentia deportation order.
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Prepare and Submit Appeals Promptly
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If the immigration judge orders removal, file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) within 30 days.
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Meet all filing deadlines for briefs and supporting evidence.
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Late appeals or incomplete filings can close off critical relief avenues.
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By following these steps, you maintain your defense against deportation and preserve every legal option.
Risks and Consequences of Deportation
1. Family Separation
Deportation forces families apart. Spouses and children remain in the U.S. while the deported individual returns to a country they may have left years ago.
Elderly or disabled dependents lose daily care and emotional support. These splits can cause lasting trauma.
2. Financial Loss
You lose assets and income when authorities remove you. Employers must end your job, and property owners may evict you for failing to pay rent or mortgage.
Legal fees for removal proceedings add thousands of dollars in costs. Starting over abroad drains savings and disrupts financial stability.
3. Bar from Reentry
A removal order triggers a reentry ban of five to twenty years. You cannot return lawfully during this period.
Attempting to reenter without permission leads to criminal charges and harsher penalties. This ban also disqualifies you from most future U.S. visas.
4. Criminal Consequences
U.S. law treats unlawful presence as a crime. If you accrue more than 180 days of unlawful stay before deportation, you face a three‑year bar; over one year triggers a ten‑year bar.
Each new attempt to return unlawfully risks felony charges, fines, and possible prison time.
Deportation upends every aspect of life. Understanding these consequences highlights the need for immediate legal action and expert representation to avoid forced removal.
Conclusion
The Fifth Circuit’s decision to allow the termination of TPS for Cameroonian and Afghan nationals puts thousands at immediate risk of deportation.
With the TPS end date set for August 4, 2025, affected individuals must act now to secure alternative relief; whether through asylum, family‑based petitions, U or T visas, or other status adjustments.
Missing critical deadlines or proceeding without expert guidance can lead to removal from the only home many have known for years.
Maple Crest Immigration Immigration Law Firm stands ready to guide you. Our team provides personalized case assessments, prepares and files all necessary applications, and represents you in court to fight removal. Don’t wait until it’s too late; contact us today for a comprehensive consultation and take control of your future.
