Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election and will become president on January 20, 2025. Cameroonian asylum seekers are especially familiar with his harsh deportation and radical immigration enforcement policies. In October and November 2020, amid reports of the mistreatment of Cameroonian asylum seekers in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, the Trump administration deported dozens back to Cameroon, despite the ongoing risks of danger there and the objections of advocates and members of Congress. Despite these previous policies and divisive language, we remain hopeful. We call on the President-elect to look beyond fear-based approaches and to work toward policies that respect human dignity, protect family unity, and build stronger communities.
At Cameroon Advocacy Network, we stand ready to partner with leaders across the political spectrum and other advocacy groups to advocate for and support our communities, push for progressive, humane immigration reform that upholds human rights. Our communities do not need sweeping deportations; they need pathways to stability and contributions that enrich our society.
Here are some important steps for asylum seekers to consider before January 2025:
- 1. TPS holders are protection from deportation
- TPS is for people from certain countries facing problems like war or natural disasters like Cameroon. Here is an explicit explanation of TPS and eligibility guide for Cameroonians.
- You can apply for TPS and asylum at the same time. If your asylum is denied but TPS is granted, you cannot be deported and can get a work permit.
- Cameroonians may be eligible for TPS. Cameroon advocacy Network can help you with your TPS application. Register Here to get help
- 2. Apply for Your First Work Permit
- If your asylum application has been pending for 150 days, apply for your first work permit now, even if you don’t plan to work. It’s free and valid for 5 years.
- You can also apply for a work permit under the TPS category.
- A work permit can be used as ID, to travel within the U.S., to apply for a driver’s license, and to get a Social Security Number.
- Your spouse and children can also apply if they are included in your asylum application.
- 3.Renew Your Work Permit
- If your work permit expires before 2028, renew it now to try to get a 5-year permit before any changes are made by the new president.
In October 2023, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) started giving asylum seekers work permits that are valid for 5 years, instead of 2 years. USCIS is still issuing 5-year work permits today. However, after January 20, 2025, we do not know what the new president will decide to do about the length of work permits for asylum seekers.
- You can renew even if your current permit’s expiration date is more than 6 months away.
If you have a 2-year work permit, we recommend applying to renew it now if possible. This increases your chances of receiving a 5-year work permit before any changes are made by the new president. Even if you don’t get the 5-year permit before the changes, having a pending application could be beneficial. For instance, some policy changes might only affect those who apply after the changes are announced.
- 4. Consider Other Immigration Options you may be eligible for.
- If you are eligible for another type of immigration status, apply now. This gives you more options if your asylum application is denied.
- Examples include U-visas for crime victims, family-based immigration, and employment-based immigration.
- Consult with an immigration attorney to know your options.
- 5. Secure legal help and counsel
- It’s a good idea to talk to a lawyer about your case. Find legal help if you haven’t talked to a lawyer recently.
- 6. Stay Informed and register to be a CAN member.
- Sign up for CAN membership to get urgent immigration updates.
As we enter a new era, let us embrace the promise of unity over division, focusing on building a strong community and contributing to this country that has provided us a safe haven not only because of its borders but because of the compassion and courage of its people. Now, more than ever, CAN is committed to standing by immigrants, advocating for justice, respect for the rule of law and fostering the unity that truly makes America great. We will continue to fight to reduce the size, scope, and power of all forms of mass incarceration in American society.
But President-elect Trump has promised grave dangers for human rights defenders—and we believe him. The mass deportations, the threats of violence towards peaceful protestors, and the criminalization of dissent that he campaigned on cannot be accomplished without an unprecedented expansion of mass incarceration. We have an unshakable commitment to our grassroots organizers, community partners and our mission to protect the Black Immigrant community. Advocating to end the inhumane detention and deportation of Cameroonians, Establishing reparations and humanitarian parole for those unjustly deported. Providing holistic legal, post-release, and resettlement resources to help Cameroonians in the U.S. thrive. Building international solidarity and highlighting the issues faced by Black migrants.
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Thanks for the help and assistance 👍.