(Christopher John Lamora, US Ambassador to Cameroon)
US Ambassador to Cameroon, Christopher J. Lamora,
The US Ambassador to Cameroon, Christopher J. Lamora, has clarified that Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is not a right, but a discretionary, temporary benefit granted by the US government. This is in the context of the recent termination of TPS for Cameroon, which was announced by the Department of Homeland Security.
The termination means that individuals with TPS from Cameroon will have their status expire on August 4, 2025, and will need to depart the US or pursue other legal avenues for remaining in the country.
Not a Right:
He notes that acquiring this status doesn’t give the holder rights or entitlements.
Because it is a discretionary benefit, not an entitlement, “TPS is not considered a right for individuals from designated countries,” the ambassador clarified.
” So when this temporary benefits will expire by August 4th, their beneficiaries will have to return home”
He notes that TPS is not a pathway to permanent residency: While TPS provides temporary protection from deportation and allows individuals to work in the US, it does not lead to lawful permanent resident status or a green card.
Discretionary benefit:
The decision to grant TPS is made by the Department of Homeland Security based on specific conditions in a designated country, such as armed conflict, natural disasters, or epidemics. The decision to terminate TPS is also discretionary, meaning it can be revoked if the conditions in the designated country improve or no longer meet the criteria.
Termination of TPS for Cameroon:
The US government has determined that the conditions in Cameroon no longer justify the continued designation of TPS, leading to its termination. This means that individuals with TPS from Cameroon will need to find alternative legal ways to remain in the US or depart the country.
Individual responsibility:
Individuals with TPS are responsible for understanding the terms and conditions of their status and taking appropriate action when their TPS is terminated. This may involve seeking legal advice or exploring other options like applying for asylum or other forms of relief.
TPS is granted at the discretion of the DHS Secretary, who reviews country conditions and decides whether to designate a country for TPS.
Temporary Nature:
TPS is not a permanent solution. It provides temporary protection from deportation and allows eligible individuals to work legally in the U.S. for a specific period, which can be extended or terminated by the DHS.
Not a Path to Permanent Residency:
TPS does not lead to lawful permanent resident status or any other immigration status. It is a temporary measure designed to provide relief during a crisis.
Revocation:
The DHS can terminate the TPS designation for a country if it determines that the conditions that led to the designation no longer exist. For example, the DHS has announced the termination of TPS for Cameroon, effective August 4, 2025
