15 APR 2022

A DAY FOR JUSTICE: CAMEROONIANS IN THE U.S. GRANTED TPS

WASHINGTON, DC - After years of ardent advocacy from the Cameroon diaspora in the United States—with leadership by the Cameroon American Council, Cameroon Advocacy Network, and other organizations—finally, Cameroonians in the United States have achieved a monumental goal. The Biden-Harris administration designated Temporary Protected Status for Cameroon. 

“This is such an important moment, and was driven by the leadership of the Cameroonian-American community,” said Sergio Gonzales, Executive Director of the Immigration Hub. “This campaign was led by people whose lives are literally at stake. Today’s announcement by the Biden-Harris administration is exactly the right thing to do. It will protect thousands of lives and allow displaced Cameroonians living in the United States the opportunity to breathe a little freer, knowing they no longer face deportation to violence and death. This is also a  major milestone in building a more humane and just immigration system.”

Human Rights Watch documented that asylum-seekers and their family members have been subjected to arbitrary arrest, abuse, extortion, torture, rape, and other forms of violence and oppression after deportation. 

Cameroonians attempting to secure safety through asylum have also been tortured in U.S. immigration jails and throughout the deportation process. Their fingers have been broken and fallopian tubes removed. One man, Nebane Abienwi, died due to medical neglect by ICE. Cameroonians fearful of being returned were forced onto deportation charter flights and restrained in five-point shackles, as well as a device called the WRAP, which bound their limbs and forced them to endure the trip at a 45-degree angle.   

“So much wrong has been done to Cameroonians who only wanted to be safe,” Gonzales added. “With this TPS designation, the Biden-Harris administration is recognizing that the diaspora is right—deportations to Cameroon are unsafe. We strongly applaud the administration for this critical action. We celebrate the Cameroonian and Black immigrant organizers, leaders and communities whose relentless advocacy finally brought this day of justice.”    

The Immigration Hub and twenty-five advocacy organizations released key immigration policy priorities for the Biden-Harris administration, 2022 Immigration Priorities: A Blueprint for the Biden-Harris Administration, detailing actions that the president should take this year to fulfill his campaign promises and build a modern and fair immigration system. The report includes additional humanitarian actions the Biden administration must take, including extending TPS to a broader list of nations. For more information, click here.

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The Immigration Hub is a national organization dedicated to advancing fair and just immigration policies through strategic leadership, innovative communications strategies, legislative advocacy and collaborative partnerships.