The President of the Cameroon Family of Cincinnati (CFC) Gerald Meh who has been dealing with Cameroonians udner the Temporal Protected Status due to the conflict in the North West and SOuth West regions of Cameroon, has highlighted the stakes of a 60-day deadline for Cameroonians under the TPS to leave the US.
In a recent response to questions sent by CNA, the businessman who owns the EuroBoutique RX fashion store in the US, said despite the fact that he is not an Attorney or a lawyer, his insight into the TSP is crucial because he has seen first hand what it entails. He also noted that about 90% of Cameroonians under the TPS have their asylum cases pending and they will not be affected by the suspension of the TPS for Cameroon.
Read on:
Q. You are based in the US and has been keen on this issue of TPS, can you explain more what this is and who benefits from the TPS?
Gerald Meh Snr: Thank you for the question. As President of the Cameroon Family of Cincinnati (CFC), a 501(c)(3) association that has existed for over 30 years, I’ve worked closely with many members of our community who are current beneficiaries of Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This gives me a deeper understanding of what TPS means—not just legally, but personally—for those affected, and the serious consequences they would face if it were taken away. I’m always open to sharing more or connecting others to trusted legal and community resources. TPS is a temporary immigration status granted by the U.S. government to nationals of countries facing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary conditions that make safe return impossible. It allows recipients to live and work legally in the U.S. without fear of deportation, for as long as the designation remains active. For Cameroon, TPS was first designated under President Biden in June 2022 due to the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis. It was later extended and redesignated in October 2023, allowing more Cameroonians who were already in the U.S. by a set date to apply. Through my leadership at CFC, I’ve seen firsthand how critical this protection is. It offers stability, dignity, and a path forward for many in our community.
Q. Cameroon was designated with the TPS but the Trump administration has said it will end it by August. They have also asked Cameroonians who are under the TPS to start doing voluntary deportation. Are there other means they to go about this and remain in the country?( America)
Thank you for the question. While it’s true that the Trump administration has announced plans to end TPS for Cameroon by August and has encouraged voluntary departure for those under the program, it’s important to note that this does not mean everyone must leave immediately. In reality, around 90% of Cameroonians currently on TPS already have pending asylum applications filed with immigration courts. Some of these cases have been sitting unresolved for years due to the massive backlog. As long as an asylum case is pending, the individual is allowed to remain legally in the U.S. and can apply for work authorization through their asylum claim. The group that will be significantly affected by the end of TPS are those in the remaining 10%—individuals who either never filed for asylum, had their cases denied, or are now past the legal window to file. These folks are in a more precarious position and could be at risk if no other form of relief is available to them. So while the end of TPS is concerning, especially under this current administration, it’s not the end of the road for the majority. Cameroonians should be encouraged to consult with immigration attorneys to understand their individual cases and explore all possible legal options. Voluntary departure is just one route—there are still other legal avenues that may apply depending on one’s status.
Q. Do you think that the Trump administration is fair regarding the status of Cameroonians?
That’s a fair question. While administrations have the discretion to make immigration decisions, the move to cancel TPS for Cameroonians—despite the ongoing instability back home—raises real concerns. Although about 90% of Cameroonians on TPS have pending asylum claims and can legally remain in the U.S. while those cases are decided, the cancellation still creates significant uncertainty. It leaves the remaining group—those without asylum protection—particularly vulnerable, and it sends a broader message of instability to a community that has been relying on this protection in good faith. In that sense, many view the decision as neither timely nor fair.
Q. What would be your advise to those affected by this decision.
To those affected by the decision to end TPS for Cameroon, my sincere advice is: don’t panic, but take action. If you have a pending asylum case, know that you are still legally protected and eligible to remain in the U.S. while your case is being reviewed. Make sure your contact information is up to date with the court and USCIS, and consult with a trusted immigration attorney to ensure your case is in good standing. For those who do not have an asylum application or whose claims were denied, now is the time to seek immediate legal counsel. There may still be options available, such as motions to reopen, late filings under certain exceptions, or exploring other forms of relief. Don’t wait until deadlines pass or removal proceedings begin. Finally, stay connected to community organizations and support networks. You’re not alone. Many of us are working hard to provide accurate information, legal referrals, and moral support during this uncertain time.
