The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today strongly condemned the Trump administration’s decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for more than 10,000 individuals from Afghanistan and Cameroon, calling the move a cruel and dangerous escalation of its anti-immigrant agenda.
SEE: Trump Will End Temporary Protections for Afghans and Cameroonians
The Department of Homeland Security announced that protections for Afghans and Cameroonians living legally in the U.S. under TPS will end in May and June, respectively, putting thousands at immediate risk of deportation to countries still impacted by violence, instability, and humanitarian crises.
In a statement, CAIR-CA CEO Hussam Ayloush said:
“Ending TPS for Afghans and Cameroonians is a cruel and dangerous escalation of the Trump administration’s anti-immigrant agenda and a shameful betrayal of our moral and humanitarian obligations. These individuals have fled war, persecution, and instability—and, in the case of many Afghans, risked their lives to support U.S. operations. This decision will separate families and force people into the shadows. For some of them, TPS may be their only option for protection from deportation. It’s yet another example of the Trump administration using immigration policy to target the most vulnerable among us. Decisions such as these deepen fear in our communities and erode trust in our government’s commitment to protecting human rights.”
TPS is a humanitarian program designed to protect individuals from being returned to countries that are considered unsafe due to circumstances such as armed conflict or natural disasters. The Biden administration initially extended protections for Afghans and Cameroonians in recognition of ongoing insecurity, destroyed infrastructure, displacement, and persistent violence in both countries.
Many TPS holders face credible fears of persecution if forced to return to their home countries. However, asylum is notoriously difficult to obtain. Revoking TPS removes a critical layer of protection for those who may not be granted asylum. Without TPS status or other pending applications, individuals lose work authorization, which would significantly impact the individual and their families.
CAIR-CA joins legal and human rights organizations in urging Congress and the courts to intervene and protect Afghan and Cameroonian TPS recipients from unjust deportation. The organization also calls on community members to speak out and support legal advocacy to defend Afghans, Cameroonians, and others whose lives are now at risk.
CAIR-CA is a chapter of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACTS: CAIR Greater Los Angeles Area Digital Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, 714.851.4851, eelkadi@cair.com; CAIR Sacramento Valley/Central California Communications Contact Tasneem Manjra, 916.441.6469, tManjra@cair.com; CAIR San Diego Executive Director Tazheen Nizam, 760.201.7626, tnizam@cair.com; CAIR-SFBA Communications Manager Lorrie Adam, 408.498.5779, ladam@cair.com