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The Biden administration announced Friday that it is designating Cameroon for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) meaning that nationals living in the U.S. will be protected from deportation and can apply for work permits.

TPS authority allows the Department of Homeland Security to protect nationals of designated countries living in the U.S. from potential deportation if they are eligible, allows them to apply for work permits and gives them the freedom to travel. Cameroon is designated for an initial 18 months, but such designations are frequently extended.

BIDEN ADMIN GIVES TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS TO TENS OF THOUSANDS OF AFGHAN EVACUEES

TPS is based on three grounds: armed ongoing conflict, environmental disasters or "extraordinary and temporary conditions." DHS cited the violence between government forces and separatists, as well as a rise in terror attacks by Islamic terror group Boko Haram.

"The United States recognizes the ongoing armed conflict in Cameroon, and we will provide temporary protection to those in need," DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement.

"Cameroonian nationals currently residing in the U.S. who cannot safely return due to the extreme violence perpetrated by government forces and armed separatists, and a rise in attacks led by Boko Haram, will be able to remain and work in the United States until conditions in their home country improve."

Nov. 16, 2021: Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas testifies during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Nationals must have already been present in the U.S. as of Thursday, and those who enter after that time will not be eligible. The New York Times reported that approximately 40,000 Cameroonians are expected to be eligible.

It is the latest use of the TPS designation by Mayorkas, who recently designated Afghanistan for TPS, and has designated or redesignated Ukraine, Sudan, Haiti and South Sudan. Activists and some Democratic lawmakers had been urging Mayorkas to designate Cameroon. Activists have also called for TPS designations of Ethiopia and Mauritania.

Meredith Owen, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Church World Services, said that the designation will "provide Cameroonians with the lifeline they so desperately need."

BIDEN ADMINISTRATION GIVES PROTECTION FROM DEPORTATION TO UKRAINIANS LIVING IN US

"While we welcome this much-needed step toward a more equitable immigration system, many more in our communities need this same life-saving protection extended to them," she said in a statement. "We all have neighbors whether from the Northern Triangle, sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, or beyond that wake each morning fearing that this could be the day their families are returned to peril. No one should have to live this way, the administration needs to act in their interests, too."

While the designation is supposed to be temporary, designations are regularly extended and a pathway to citizenship for anyone in the country on TPS has regularly been floated as part of any amnesty inclusion in various immigration reform packages. Immigration hawks have dubbed TPS "amnesty-lite" and used similar language when criticizing the Biden administration's move on Friday.

"With Secretary Mayorkas continuing to aggressively designate countries like Cameroon for TPS, it is fair to wonder what illegal alien population wont receive amnesty-lite by the end of the Biden administration," RJ Hauman, head of government relations at the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) said in a statement. "Will he end up designating every country in the world due to climate change?"

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"This is even more offensive considering what is happening down at the border," Hauman added. "Instead of, say, fully re-implementing Remain in Mexico, hes busy figuring out how to make sure illegal alien populations can remain in America forever."

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Biden administration grants Temporary Protected Status to immigrants from Cameroon - Fox News

Becky Whitley (District 15) is a state senator and Manny Espitia (Nashua / Hillsborough 31) is a state representative.

America was built by millions of immigrants who have continuously contributed to our economy and society. For years, activists, Dreamersand advocacy groups have been fighting to create a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients and other undocumented immigrants.

While the Build Back Better Act could have served as the vehicle to deliver this change, achieving a pathway to citizenship will not be possible due to the Parliamentarians various rulings. However, future reconciliation packages still offer an opportunity to pass critical protections for our undocumented friends, neighborsand colleagues who have lived in our country for an average of 20 years.

As elected officials, it is our duty to advocate for all those in our community who need it. We are proud to stand with the Dreamers, TPS holders and other undocumented immigrants who have stood with us in difficult times. These folks are our neighbors and have served as essential workers during the pandemic, contributing greatly to our economy and society as active members of our communities.

Here in the Granite State, we value the close connection we feel to our neighbors and our communities at large. In the legislature, we strive to enact and maintain policies that are pro-family and promote civic engagement. Thats part of the reason why New Hampshire regularly ranks high on national lists of best places to live and raise a family.

Unfortunately, in our state, there are families who live in constant fear that they will be separated because the threat of deportation has not ceased. Without protections, our undocumented neighbors remain vulnerable to deportation from the country they call home. These families should not have to worry for their safety and stability, especially when there is a solution that would allow them to plan for their future and relieve them of their worries.

Fortunately, our federal delegation understands all of this well. In the United States Senate where negotiation of a future reconciliation bill continues, our senators have been steadfast champions, pushing forand working with their colleagues to provide hope and security for Dreamers whose energy, hard work, and innovation are critical to our economic future.

Our undocumented neighbors have contributed to our economy for far too long and not only is offering them greater stability and certainty the right thing to do, but it will also help build a more resilient economy, buttressed for future generations.

As Sens.Shaheen and Hassan know, by including immigration relief in a future reconciliation package we can also help invigorate our economy. As elected officials in the Granite State, we know firsthand how critical it is that our state continues to build back stronger than ever. That means we need smart, pro-family, economy-boosting policies that create stability and certainty, and lay the foundation for a workforce of people who are eager to contribute their talents and skills.

Moreover, providing protections for Dreamers, TPS holders, essential workers and other undocumented individuals would allow them to continue their success as employees and small business owners. Thats why including these protections in a new reconciliation package shouldbe a priority for our leaders in the United States Senate. The opportunity for meaningful immigration reform is still within our grasp. We can take positive steps forward on work permits and protections of Dreamers, TPS holders and others.

There are still many options that our leaders in the Senate can and should explore to finally provide protection to millions of American families. We urge them to consider the positive, long-lasting impact that we can deliver on for our communities as a new reconciliation package is negotiated in the coming months.

As negotiations in the United State Senate continue on this topic, please be reminded that this is a critically important issue to the communities and families we represent and presents an opportunity we cannot let slip.

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Opinion: Congress must expand protections for Dreamers - Concord Monitor

Truck inspection numbers, please

I would like to ask The Dallas Morning News to publish three numbers: How many trucks have been inspected by Texas Department of Public Safety troopers since the new policy was implemented; of the inspected trucks, how many were found to be carrying illegal drugs; and of the trucks inspected, how many were found to be carrying unauthorized immigrants. I look forward to seeing this information.

George Neary, Dallas/Preston Hollow

Im so tired of hearing about Gov. Greg Abbott and his ridiculous, dangerous and inhumane policies. He professes to be a Christian but cannot abide by the Sermon on the Mount or the teachings of Christ. I thought we were supposed to take care of the poor, hungry, homeless and those in need and especially care for children.

Child Protective Services is a Texas problem, and we can correct that problem with new leadership and a new Legislature more interested in citizens than special interests and excuses.

Immigration is a federal problem. Contact your senators and congressmen and insist that they look at the laws enacted during Ronald Reagans presidency and update them so whoever is in the White House has appropriate, updated laws to enforce.

To blame whoever is president for immigration policies is ridiculous. Put the blame on Congress where it belongs. Since those folks have failed to do anything for over 40 years, clean house and get rid of the career politicians, many of whom have been there for the entire 40 years and need to sail into the sunset. What better reason for term limits?

Norma Bell, Garland

Gov. Greg Abbott has thrown millions of our tax dollars on his border problem and is not wisely spending these funds. The enforcement folks are not even receiving adequate equipment, food, etc. He even tried to hinder trade from coming across the border with the fear of his ghost unauthorized immigrants sneaking in with the tomatoes and avocados. Whats his problem? Well, he is our problem.

Kurt Wolfenbarger, East Dallas

Re: Abbott presses for increased border security State unveils plans to search vehicles, bus migrants to Washington, D.C., April 7 news story.

The headline should have read Abbott invites migrants to cross Texas border with promises of free bus ride to Washington, D.C. I know his goal is to decrease illegal immigration, but his promise of a free bus ride to Washington, D.C., might actually increase illegal immigration.

M. James Brennan, Plano

There is no comparison between President Joe Biden and Donald Trumps handling of our borders. Trump enforced our laws to control illegal immigration, and Biden seems to ignore our immigration laws.

There is absolutely no need for immigration reform. The U.S. has the most liberal immigration laws in the world. Each year between 1 million and 2 million legal immigrants are welcomed into this country. They start the process in their home country and are screened in advance. You never mention this. If anything, this number of legal immigrants should be reduced.

Presidents Ronald Reagan through Barack Obama refused to enforce our immigration laws, and most gave amnesty. At no time did this lower illegal immigration or control it. It stayed the same. Amnesty for immigrants who broke the law is nothing but government dependency and future Democratic votes, but you wont acknowledge it.

Jack Chandler Myers, University Park

Re: Abbotts border costs growing Can state keep pouring money into mission? April 10 news story.

Regarding this front-page question asking if the state can keep pouring money into the border mission, the short answer is, Absolutely. Washington consistently spends money we dont have and must fulfill its responsibility to pay all related border protection costs. The precedent has been well-established, and its undeniable that the current administration has worsened the problem.

Another problem looms: Be prepared for the post-Title 42 border crush next month. We havent seen anything yet. Its coming like a runaway train. Texas should not be the solo defender for the entire country. The party in charge needs to assume blame and responsibility. All related costs should be borne by the Washington administration, not Texas alone. Gov. Greg Abbott should do whats necessary and send the tab to President Joe Biden.

James F. Van Gilder, Rockwall

Isnt there a typo in this front page headline? Shouldnt that read, Bidens border costs? Isnt that our federal border? Isnt President Joe Biden allowing the tsunami of unauthorized immigrants to flow into our country? With costs in terms of welfare, medical issues, drug dealing, tens of thousands of fentanyl and other drug-related deaths, dilution of our democracy and now even free mobile phones?

Gov. Greg Abbott, please keep spending what we need to spend until we vote in an administration that will live up to its obligation to firstly protect American citizens.

Jack Carroll, Irving/Las Colinas

Every day, every month, new records are being set as more authorized migrants cross and move northward at the U.S.-Mexico border. The Wall Street Journal reported 8,000 came over in one day recently. The Journal went on to state that officials are planning for up to 18,000 migrants per day when the health rule [Title 42] is lifted. What is the answer to chaos at the border? Not difficult: No more of President Joe Bidens open border policies.

Janet Duermeyer, North Richland Hills

One doesnt have to be the sharpest knife in the drawer to understand why The Dallas Morning News rarely allows any pushback on its biased journalism. Criticizing Gov. Greg Abbott for attempting to stop the gangs and drug cartels from smuggling unauthorized immigrants and drugs into the U.S and not hold the Biden administration accountable for its immigration policy is a head-in-the-sand type journalism.

Eureka! I got it.

Don Skaggs, Garland

Re: We need leadership on border crisis Its time to end Title 42 and also political stunts like immigrant buses to D.C, April 8 Editorials.

This editorial got the title right and thats about it. In Texas lingo, it was all hat and no cattle. You begin by informing us that President Joe Biden hasnt got a handle on this crisis any more than former President Donald Trump ... or Gov. Greg Abbott. Ya think? How can you possibly compare Trumps proactive measures, from building a wall to increased border law enforcement, etc., to Bidens red carpet rollout?

However, the jewel in this piece was chastising Abbotts plan to bus migrants to D.C. How can any journalist with a straight face make this assertion while ignoring Biden ongoing migrant flights? Your omission of this fact speaks volumes. But then again Dallas Morning News readers know not to expect any objective criticism of Biden, considering were still waiting for more coverage of the Hunter Biden laptop incident.

But giving us this headline and then slamming Republicans, all the while giving a pass to the one most responsible for this mess, is a new low.

Bruce Davidson, Carrollton

Contrary to this editorial, the Biden administration should not lift Title 42 that requires potential asylum-seekers to be adjudicated in Mexico or in their home country. Fact is, virtually all the migrants on our southern border are not legitimate asylum-seekers fleeing political persecution. Rather they are economic migrants who are attempting to circumvent our immigrant visa process a process that even during the draconian Trump years admitted 1,829,820 immigrants, who paid their fees, completed the required applications, obtained requisite medical and police clearances, and patiently waited for their consular interviews.

Legitimate asylum-seekers should be interviewed in any one of our nine consulates in Mexico, thus reducing the likelihood of those with questionable bona fides absconding once admitted into the U.S.

It is simply not true that our country is cold-hearted because it expects prospective immigrants to abide by the rules and not skip in line or violate the terms of their non-immigrant visas.

George Aldridge, Arlington

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Letters to the Editor Is there a way to stop the border crisis? - The Dallas Morning News

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A federal judge has ruled that the University of North Texas cant charge out-of-state American students higher tuition than undocumented Texans who qualify for lower in-state tuition under a 2001 Texas law.

UNT lawyers appealed last weeks decision by U.S. District Judge Sean Jordan, a Trump appointee, over the weekend. If upheld, the decision could impact other Texas public universities, which depend financially on charging higher out-of-state student tuition.

The ruling centers on Texas 2001 law allowing undocumented students who have lived in Texas for three years and graduate from a Texas high school to pay in-state tuition.

This recent challenge by the Texas Public Policy Foundation, on behalf of the student organization the Young Conservatives of Texas, could provide a new path forward for some Texas lawmakers who have wanted to eliminate the in-state tuition benefit for undocumented students since at least 2015.

In 2021, a little more than 22,000 students were enrolled in Texas colleges and universities using this benefit.

Two years ago, the right-leaning TPPF filed the lawsuit, pointing out that the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 states that an individual who does not legally reside in the United States should not be eligible for a postsecondary education benefit granted on the basis of where someone lives unless United States citizens qualify for the same benefit. Therefore, they argued, out-of-state students shouldn't have to pay more than undocumented Texas students.

Jordan, the federal judge, agreed.

Because Texass non-resident tuition scheme directly conflicts with Congresss express prohibition on providing eligibility for postsecondary education benefits, it is preempted and therefore unconstitutional, Jordan wrote.

Other university systems in the state said they are still reviewing this ruling.

But Thomas A. Saenz, president of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, criticized the judges ruling.

Its hard not to see it as a Trump judge overreaching to try to change longstanding law in the state of Texas, said Saenz, who is also MALDEFs general counsel. He found the ruling surprising given the amount of time the state law has been in place.

Its obviously a political lawsuit, and granting that political lawsuit is whats disturbing, he said.

TPPF lawyer Rob Henneke said hes excited the ruling will make Texas colleges and universities more affordable for out-of-state students.

For the thousands of college students in Texas whove been burdened by these higher out-of-state tuition rates, they get immediate relief from having to pay so much to be educated, he said.

According to New American Economy, a bipartisan research group, out-of-state tuition rates are on average three times higher than in-state rates.

At UNT, the average cost of tuition and fees for an in-state student is just under $12,000, while an out-of-state student pays closer to $24,000 on average.

Students at the University of Texas at Austin who are Texas residents pay between $11,000 and $14,000 on average for tuition, while a nonresident student pays between $38,600 and $47,000 in tuition.

Saenz, with MALDEF, said Texas lawmakers could change the law to eliminate the three-year residency requirement and provide in-state tuition to any Texas resident who graduated from a Texas high school, similar to Californias law. But he admitted that in the current political context, that seems less likely.

Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Conroe Republican Brandon Creighton, chair of the Texas Senate Higher Education Committee, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Michael Olivas, a professor emeritus at the University of Houston Law Center who helped write the 2001 law, slammed the judges decision.

He said the judge did not take into account the other exceptions that allow out-of-state students to receive the lower, in-state tuition rate, including the waiver that allows students in bordering states to receive in-state tuition at some institutions.

These students are trying to make a political point for an issue that was a non-issue and then obfuscated it, he said.

Olivas also said TPPF lawyers did not adequately demonstrate how out-of-state students are harmed by the law, given that any U.S. citizen can qualify for in-state tuition if after living in Texas for a year before enrolling in college, while an undocumented student must live in Texas for three years before qualifying for in-state tuition.

Olivas expects advocacy and legal immigration groups to get involved in the appeal of the UNT ruling.

On Wednesday, the Mexican American Legislative Caucus said in a statement that it would be unfair to require undocumented Texans to pay higher tuition costs than out-of-state students who are granted in-state tuition after living in the state for one year.

Texas Dreamers are Texans, state Rep. Rafael Ancha, a Dallas Democrat and chair of the caucus, said in the statement. This political decision ignores the facts, plain and simple. These students are required to satisfy higher standards, three times that of their peers. And now, out-of-state students with no connection to Texas will be given preferential treatment that will result in less opportunities for students who graduate from our neighborhood schools.

Meanwhile, lawyers for UNT also argued that barring it from charging out-of-state students a higher rate will force the university to incur millions in lost revenue, an argument the judge rejected.

Budgetary constraints do not absolve constitutional violations, he wrote.

Timia Cobb contributed to this story.

Disclosure: The Texas Public Policy Foundation, the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Houston and the University of North Texas have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribunes journalism. Find a complete list of them here.

We cant wait to welcome you in person and online to the 2022 Texas Tribune Festival, our multiday celebration of big, bold ideas about politics, public policy and the days news all taking place just steps away from the Texas Capitol from Sept. 22-24. When tickets go on sale in May, Tribune members will save big. Donate to join or renew today.

Correction, April 13, 2022: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that the cost to attend UNT was $26,500 for an in-state tuition, while an out-of-state student paid $38,800. At UNT, the average cost of tuition and fees for an in-state student is just under $12,000, while an out-of-state student pays closer to $24,000 on average. In a previous version of this story, the name of Michael A. Olivas, professor emeritus at UH Law Center, was misspelled. It is Olivas not Olivias.

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Federal judge rules against in-state tuition rate for undocumented Texans - The Texas Tribune

Refugees wait in Uzhhorod, Ukraine for permission to cross the border into Europe through the Ukrainian-Slovak border on Feb. 26, 2022. Credit: Yanosh Nemesh / Shutterstock

As a Romanian native, Hartford immigration attorney Dana Bucin said she was inspired by television footage of Romanians taking in refugees fleeing war-torn Ukraine, and is now taking action.

My country is welcoming Ukrainian refugees as we speak, Bucin said. I have witnessed a lot of Romanians generously opening their homes and country to these refugees. I have watched these images over and over. I thought I should be doing something.

Bucin is heading to the Mexican/United States border in San Diego, California to meet with Ukrainian refugees to discuss their legal options to enter into the United States. Along with two other attorneys, Bucin is heading out on Wednesday and will be staying two days. She is offering her services on a pro bono basis.

Now I get a chance to help them at my border with the U.S. and Mexico, Bucin said, adding she can continue to help where her Romanian compatriots left off. Maybe I can manage to get them paroled into the United States.

Bucin will report from the border through social media, including LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Bucin said she is going to help refugees qualify for humanitarian parole. Any Ukrainian national who has a US-based sponsor willing to offer housing is legally eligible for humanitarian parole at the border, Bucin explained, although there is a limited window of opportunity for streamlined access before the existing Title 42 policy is rescinded on May 23.

They are here because they have relatives or very good friends willing to take them in, Bucin explained.

Bucin said that once they heard about her impending trip, representatives from various Ukrainian churches here have offered housing for anyone who needs it.

Bucin, who also serves as the Honorary Consul of Romania to Connecticut, has been aware of the needs of refugees through partnerships with the League for Defense of Human Rights in Cluj, Romania (LADO Cluj) and the University of Babes-Bolyais Romanian Center For Comparative Migration Studies.

Romania has welcomed 641,276 Ukrainian refugees and citizens there have provided them with housing and other types of assistance, Bucin said.

There are many visa options for Ukrainians fleeing the war, Bucin outlined.

Bucin said she also wants to highlight the need for immigration reform.

We know these people are clearly refugees. We know these people have no home to go to. Its dangerous to return to Ukraine, so you have so many genuine refugees who are crashing at the border, Bucin said. The question we should all be asking ourselves is why dont we have better legal avenues to serve the needs of the 21st century immigration pattern.

Bucin said the U.S. is not equipped to deal with the global wars that drive refugees here, adding it would be more efficient to have a process where those fleeing their countries should be able to secure passage through US consulates abroad, qualify for humanitarian parole, secure a passport and fly safely to the U.S.

This is what we need, but immigration tends to be such an emotional topic these days, and keeps not getting done, she said.

Bucin is the chair of the immigration practice at Murtha Cullina in Hartford.

Dana R. Bucin is the Chair of the Murtha Cullina Immigration Practice. In 2019, she was named the Attorney of the Year by the Connecticut Law Tribune, and in 2016, the Connecticut Immigrant and Refugee Coalition recognized her as an Annual Immigrant Day Honoree.

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Immigration Lawyer Heading to Mexico Border to Help Ukrainian Refugees - CT News Junkie