The United States administration under President Donald Trump has terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of four African countries living in the country.

The affected countries are Somalia, South Sudan, Cameroon and Ethiopia, according to a report by PUNCH on Sunday.

The decision affects nationals of the four countries who had been allowed to remain and work legally in the United States under the humanitarian immigration programme.

TPS is a temporary immigration protection granted by the US government to eligible nationals of designated countries experiencing conditions such as armed conflict, natural disasters or other extraordinary circumstances that make safe return difficult.

With the latest decision, beneficiaries from Somalia, South Sudan, Cameroon and Ethiopia could lose their protection and face removal from the United States if they do not have another valid immigration status or legal basis to remain in the country.

The move forms part of the Trump administration’s broader immigration crackdown and review of humanitarian protections granted to foreign nationals.

The development is expected to generate anxiety among affected African communities in the United States, particularly those who have built families, careers and businesses during their years under TPS.

Affected countries

1. Cameroon
Cameroonian nationals who have relied on TPS protection are among those affected by the termination.

2. Ethiopia
Ethiopian nationals covered by the programme are also set to lose the temporary protection.

3. Somalia
Somali nationals who benefited from TPS will similarly face the end of the protection.

4. South Sudan
South Sudanese beneficiaries are also included in the latest termination.

The development comes amid a wider tightening of US immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. The US has also cancelled more than 175,000 visas over alleged crime and security violations as part of its intensified immigration enforcement efforts.

For affected TPS holders, the immediate concern is what legal options remain available to them after the protection ends. Those without another lawful immigration status could become vulnerable to deportation proceedings.

The decision further signals the administration’s determination to reduce the number of foreign nationals benefiting from temporary humanitarian immigration protections in the United States.

Tags: US Immigration, Donald Trump, TPS, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan