Maryland has The Largest Cameroonian Representation in US
HYATTSVILLE, MD – Advocacy group CASA recently hosted two legal clinics to support members of the Cameroonian community re-register for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This important immigration status offers protection from deportation and work authorization for immigrants for 18 months. Current Cameroonian TPS beneficiaries, whose initial TPS registration will end on December 7, must re-register for TPS before the USCIS deadline of December 11, 2023.
The clinics, led by CASA’s Legal Department, were comprehensive. They provided information on the benefits of applying for TPS, reminded attendees of the upcoming deadlines, and completed and mailed applications for eligible Cameroonian members. Although the clinics were planned for TPS re-registration, several Cameroonian community members applying for TPS for the first time also attended the clinics and received assistance from CASA.
CASA member Kafou N., is an asylum seeker from Cameroon. He said, “I am here at CASA to renew my TPS. It is important for people like me, whose asylum cases are still pending, to apply because it helps us get work permits. TPS provides us with some sort of legal status while we continue waiting for our asylum process to be finalized. I am thankful that CASA is working tirelessly to support Cameroonians and other eligible countries to get TPS protections.”
The November 30 clinic was the second of a series of legal events held after the victory of the redesignation and extension of TPS for Cameroon, first announced on October 6. Maryland stands as the state with the largest Cameroonian community in the United States, boasting approximately 6,000 residents born in Cameroon who are eligible for TPS, as estimated by the Center for Migration Studies.
“It is critical to emphasize the importance of timely re-registration for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) before the impending deadline of December 11, 2023. We stand in solidarity with members of the Cameroonian community, who make up the largest Black Immigrant population at CASA, and we stand ready to support all eligible Cameroonians to re-register,” said CASA Legal Director Ama Frimpong-Houser.
She added, “This process not only shields them from deportation but provides protection from immigration detention, grants eligibility to apply for work authorization, and provides the opportunity to apply for permission to travel—all crucial components in securing a stable and dignified presence in the United States. Every case is different and has different considerations. Still, where an individual is eligible for TPS, we urge them to apply to safeguard their rights and build a secure future.”
The clinics served people in various stages of the registration process and ensured that all had their pressing questions answered and their process started and finalized.
“I attended the clinic to find help with my TPS renewal and work permit application. Applying for TPS is beneficial because once you have your work permit, you are able to work, and earn some money. I will highly advise others out there who have not yet applied to come and apply. CASA is a good place that provides help to anyone seeking help in their application process,” expressed Cameroonian CASA member Desiree Che.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is an immigration status that provides relief to individuals currently in the United States who are from a country undergoing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster or epidemic, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions that make returning to the country unsafe. Thanks to campaigns led by a coalition of organizations, including CASA, the Biden administration has extended and/or expanded TPS protections for thousands of individuals from countries devastated by natural disasters, war, and other humanitarian and security crises, including redesignating TPS for Cameroon. For additional information on TPS for Cameroon deadline and a list of frequently asked questions, go to https://wearecasa.org/legal-services-for-tps-for-cameroon/
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With over 155,000 lifetime members across 46 US states, CASA is a national powerhouse organization building power and improving the quality of life in working-class: Black, Latino/a/e, Afro-descendent, Indigenous, and Immigrant communities. CASA creates change with its powerbuilding model blending human services, community organizing, and advocacy in order to serve the full spectrum of the needs, dreams, and aspirations of members. www.werecasa.org