Deportation is a legal requirement that few immigrants in New Jersey want to face, as the heightened turmoil across the world has forced many to seek asylum in the U.S. whenever it is possible. Many factors can go into wanting to avoid a deportation order, including what is happening in their home nation. Political climates can change, but many times that change is for the worse. This scenario then leaves those seeking asylum in a precarious situation where they want to remain here even more fervently.
The Cameroon problem
Boko Haram has long been a problem in Cameroon. Fashioning themselves as freedom fighters, they have been pillaging the nation internally for many years and show no sign of letting up. Their disruption has impacted many segments of Cameroonian society including critical areas like economic security and health and human services, leaving many with little option but to flee. The nation has now been granted Temporary Protected Status by USCIS, a classification that was established in 1990, and now they have been granted an extension regarding their emergency immigration authorization.
What this means for current U.S. Cameroonians
This designation generally means that those who are here can stay for a period of up to 18 months as long as there is no further change in Cameroon and their legal behavior in the United States is acceptable. Present migrants total between 11,000 and 12,000, and they will be allowed to retain their current status until USCIS decides otherwise. This immigration status designation is welcome news for those already here as well as some who have also requested asylum.
USCIS will be placing a priority on processing the new arrivals and ensuring that those who are here are able to stay for as long as the status declaration remains in effect.
