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Fact Sheet: Temporary Protected Status for Cameroon
Posted on Oct 16 2023
This fact sheet is current as of October 10, 2023.
On October 6, 2023, the Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced the extension and redesignation of Cameroon for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, from December 8, 2023, through June 7, 2025, due to ongoing armed conflict and extraordinary and temporary conditions in Cameroon that prevent individuals from safely returning. The corresponding Federal Register notice (FRN) provides information about how to register as a new or current beneficiary for TPS under Cameroon’s extension and redesignation.
What is temporary protected status (TPS)?
TPS is granted by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to eligible foreign-born individuals who are unable to return home safely due to conditions or circumstances preventing their return to their home country.
During the designated TPS period, TPS holders are not removable from the United States and not detainable by DHS based on their immigration status. TPS holders are eligible for an employment authorization document (EAD), and eligible for travel authorization.
What does the extension of TPS for Cameroon mean?
If you have TPS under the Cameroon designation, you can apply to extend your TPS. To receive the TPS extension, you must re-register for TPS by applying during the registration period. The re-registration period for existing beneficiaries runs from October 10, 2023, through December 9, 2023. The FRN provides further details.
What does the redesignation of TPS for Cameroon mean?
If you are a Cameroonian national and have never had TPS, you can now apply for the first time if you have lived in the United States continuously since October 5, 2023. You can apply for TPS during the registration period. You must also meet the eligibility requirements. The initial registration period for new applicants under the Cameroon TPS redesignation begins on October 10, 2023, and will remain in effect through June 7, 2025. The FRN provides further details.
How do I apply for TPS?
People interested in TPS must file an application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and pay the filing fee. They may also apply for an EAD and for travel authorization. All individuals applying for TPS undergo security and background checks as part of determining eligibility.
If you have TPS and are applying for an extension of your TPS under the Cameroon designation your re-registration period runs from October 10, 2023, through December 9, 2023.
If you do not have TPS and are applying for TPS under the Haiti designation for the first time, your registration period runs from October 10, 2023, through June 7, 2025.
More details about the eligibility criteria to submit a TPS application and apply for an EAD can be found in the Federal Register notice (FRN).
Is TPS status given automatically?
No, TPS is not automatic. People must apply, pay a filing fee, and pass immigration screening. There are some facts that will make a person ineligible for TPS. For example, people with certain criminal convictions or who violated the human rights of others are not eligible for TPS. People who are inadmissible under certain sections of the law may have to file a waiver before they can be approved for TPS status. The application process can be complicated, and we recommend working with an immigration attorney.
How long will eligible individuals have protection under TPS?
TPS is a temporary status. The Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas extended and redesignated Cameroon for TPS for an 18-month period, effective December 8, 2023, through June 7, 2025. That said, TPS status can be extended.
Does TPS Status provide a path to permanent residency?
No, TPS does not provide a path to lawful permanent resident status. However, some TPS holders may be independently eligible to adjust status through a family-based, employment-based, or other legal avenue. Please consult with an immigration lawyer regarding this issue.
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The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) provides free immigration legal services to low-income immigrants in a variety of immigration matters. For more information about how we can assist you, please visit our website at www.ilcm.org or call us at (651) 641-1011.