US prolongs Temporary Protected Status for Afghan Refugees by 60 days
The U.S. government has extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghan and Cameroonian refugees by 60 days, temporarily preventing the deportation of approximately 14,600 Afghan and 7,900 Cameroonian refugees, Khaama Press reported.
The extension was announced on May 10, 2025, by Shawn VanDiver, head of AfghanEvac in the United States.
TPS allows nationals from countries experiencing armed conflict or extraordinary conditions to live and work temporarily in the U.S. This extension comes after the Department of Homeland Security announced in April 2025 that conditions in Afghanistan and Cameroon no longer met TPS criteria, with the program set to end in May 2025.
The decision has provided temporary relief amid concerns from refugee advocacy groups about the safety of those at risk of deportation to unstable regions. However, the U.S. government has not yet indicated whether further extensions will be granted.
The extension underscores ongoing humanitarian challenges and highlights the U.S. role in offering sanctuary while diplomatic efforts continue to seek long-term solutions for displaced populations.
