By NEB
In line with the ongoing crackdown on illegal immigrants resident in the United States of America, the Trump administration has been requested to enforce its immigration policies against ‘Ambazonia’ separatists based in the country. The request was recently tabled at the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), by US-based international law firm, Nsahlai Law Firm.
Recall Nsahlai Law Firm has been working tooth and nail in a mission to bring to the limelight what it considers atrocities and crimes against humanity perpetuated by separatist leaders in Cameroon’s North West and South West Regions and urging for them to be brought to book.
The Firm is requesting the Trump administration to engage a number of actions against separatists residing in the US, including Expedited Review of Asylum Applications, Revocation of Immigration Status and Deportation proceedings.
“Ensure asylum applications from Ambazonia Separatists are reviewed under enhanced vetting procedures, with a focus on their alleged support for terrorism, revoke the green cards and citizenship of individuals found to have violated U.S. Laws, particularly those engaged in terrorism or fraud, prioritise deportation for those whose asylum applications have been denied or who are found inadmissible under US Law”, it indicates specifically.
Alongside a list carrying the names of 34 separatists who the Firm holds have committed immigration fraud and conspired to international terrorism and human rights violation, Nsahlai Law Firm specifically mentions persons like Tapang Ivo Tanku, Eric Tano Tataw, John Mbah Akuro, Christopher Anu Fobeneh, and Samuel Sako Ikome, as those who have “used their positions to incite violence, solicit funds for terrorist activities and recruit supporters.”
The firm maintains that, “Many of these individuals have pending asylum applications or have been denied asylum and are appealing…have committed immigration fraud by concealing their involvement in crimes against humanity and terrorism under INA Section 212 (a) (6) (c) (fraud and misrepresentation). The Law Firm also believes that targeting the said group of people in the Trump administration immigration crackdown will protect national security and fulfill all factors necessary for robust federal prosecutions.
“The actions of these individuals undermine the integrity of the US immigration system. Their crimes, including incitement to violence and material support of terrorism, have caused untold harm to innocent civilians. These individuals exploit the asylum system to evade accountability while continuing their operations abroad”, it states.
According to Nsahlai Law Firm, “The Ambazonia Separatist movement and its members are the prime example of the type of immigrants that the Trump administration seeks to target and deport”, as the group, according to the firm, is not only on the wrong side of the law in the US but has also engaged in crimes against humanity, including killing of school children.”
Nonetheless, The SUN gathered that those targeted by Nsahlai Law Firm are being urged to pursue legal action against the Firm, on grounds of defamation and libel. “Comrades targeted by Nsahlai’s defamatory statements, allegedly made under the guise of a law firm, should consider taking legal action. Filing civil lawsuits for defamation and libel are viable options”, a sympathiser writes.
However, with regards to Cameroonians in general currently residing in the United States, there are opinions that if certain Cameroonians were granted TPS, they won’t be affected by the deportation, even if they were previously under Removal Proceedings.
Also, “Those with TPS applications in process might be released if arrested, offering a glimmer of hope…TPS status is granted by Congress, and only Congress can revoke it, providing a safeguard for TPS holders.”
This latter opinion is said to be a positive development to many Cameroonians who are in a state of uncertainty as to their future stay in the US.