Termination of Humanitarian Relief for Cameroonians and Nepalese

The Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of Cameroon and Nepal.  After reviewing the latest conditions in both countries, DHS determined that nationals of Cameroon and Nepal no longer need temporary protection in the United States.  TPS and all related benefits, including work and travel authorization, will end for Cameroonian nationals on August 4, 2025, and for Nepalese nationals on August 5, 2025.

By way of background, the US government offers TPS to citizens of a country when their homeland experiences persistent armed conflict (like civil war), an environmental catastrophe (such as earthquakes or hurricanes), an epidemic, or other exceptional and transient circumstances. TPS allows nationals of these countries to live and work in the United States temporarily until their home country stabilizes and they are able to return safely. TPS ensures protection from removal for an individual when their home country is in crisis. 

Cameroon had been designated for TPS by the Biden administration on June 7, 2022, due to ongoing conflict, and the Biden administration extended the designation through June 7, 2025. The Secretary of Homeland Security reviewed the conditions in Cameroon and determined that the ongoing conditions in Cameroon do not pose a threat to individual safety. 

The Obama administration had designated Nepal for TPS on June 24, 2015 after a devastating earthquake. DHS had extended the validity of the designation through June 24, 2025. The current Secretary of Homeland Security reviewed the conditions in Nepal and determined that the country has upgraded its disaster preparedness and reconstructed damage from the earthquake. The Secretary concluded that the living conditions in Nepal have improved and the country can handle the return of its nationals. 

TPS beneficiaries from Cameroon will be required to depart the U.S. by August 4, 2025 and nationals from Nepal will be required to depart the U.S. by August 5, 2025 unless they obtain another lawful immigration status. The termination is expected to affect more than 5,200 Cameroonians and 12,700 nationals of Nepal.

The alert is for informational purposes only. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this development further