tags: Press Releases

America’s Voice Reacts to Welcome Cameroon TPS Announcement

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Washington, DC – The Biden administration today announced a new Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Cameroon, offering Cameroonians in the United States new opportunities to work and live free from the documented abuse and persecution they would face if deported back to a country in the midst of worsening armed conflicts. 

The following is a statement from Douglas Rivlin, Director of Communication for America’s Voice:

This is exactly the kind of action America should take to protect people from violence and persecution. Today’s welcome announcement will mean new, life-changing protections and opportunities for thousands of Cameroonians in the United States who can now live and work in safety. The news is years in the making and reflects the leadership, tireless commitment and courage of Cameroonians, Black immigrant leaders and allies fighting for a less discriminatory immigration, enforcement and deportation system. We congratulate these fearless advocates for justice and celebrate alongside them today.

This is a smart economic move as well, because, while small relative to the overall population of immigrants, stabilizing and providing work permits to Cameroonian families already living here boosts their ability to earn, save and send money to family abroad.

The Biden administration should be more aggressive in asserting their vision for defending immigration and immigrants and should build on today’s positive news. The White House should prioritize further executive branch actions and announce TPS designations and redesignations for countries such as Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and additional nations. These are important tools to stabilize families and communities, deliver meaningful progress and advance America’s interests and values.

Republicans are relentless in their politicized pursuit of a fearful and insular America that kicks out and keeps out newcomers, so Democrats should be confident in a different vision: America as an inclusive democracy, where safety and security can work hand-in-hand with the welcoming of immigrants, the protection of  refugees, and the accurate evaluation of meritorious asylum claims. Part of turning the page on Trump and Trumpism is to fight for a nation where people have a place at the table in building a stronger America, regardless of their race or nation of origin. There is still much work to be done in this regard.