Three Voices, One Mission: President Biden, Protect Central African Migrants Through Executive Power
December 13, 2024
Your trip to Angola highlights greater U.S. commitments to Africa, but your legacy depends on turning words into action—Grant TPS to Angola and Congo and special humanitarian parole to Cameroon.
By Pastor Samuel Manuel, Dr. Yves Kaduli and Ms. Sylvie Bello*
Pastor Samuel Manuel
Our stories converge at the intersection of hope and struggle—a testament to the resilience of Central African migrants fighting for dignity, safety, and the promise of a better life in the United States. During President Biden's recent visit to Angola and Central Africa, a critical opportunity was missed to address the urgent immigration challenges facing Angolan, Congolese, and Cameroonian migrants.
President Biden repeatedly asserts that "The United States is all in on Africa," yet his administration's actions tell a different story. During his trip, he engaged with regional leaders to discuss the Lobito railway project, pledging over $1 billion in humanitarian funding and discussing refugee support. With the Angolan president, João Lourenço, Biden highlighted the State Department's support for nearly 56,000 refugees and asylum seekers. He emphasized continued commitment to the Luanda Process for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo. But these diplomatic niceties rang hollow for migrants like us, who continue to live in uncertainty.
Pastor Samuel Manuel: A Voice Silenced, A Freedom Sought
I am Pastor Samuel Manuel from Cabinda, Angola—a 54-year-old political dissident who fled persecution under the regime of José Eduardo dos Santos. My advocacy for Cabinda's independence and democratic reforms made me a target. The ruling MPLA government has a long history of crushing free speech and suppressing opposition. With my wife Gabriela and our children, I sought refuge in Maine, only to find ourselves trapped in a limbo of uncertainty. The absence of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Angolans means my family cannot fully rebuild our lives or better contribute to the Maine society that offered us sanctuary.
Dr. Yves Kaduli
Dr. Yves Kaduli: A Physician's Perilous Journey
Born in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo, I am a licensed medical practitioner who fled violence, systemic corruption, and political instability. My journey to the United States was fraught with danger—crossing through Mexico and arriving at the southern border seeking asylum. Despite my professional skills and desire to contribute to my host country, the lack of TPS for Congo creates a constant cloud of uncertainty and fear of deportation.
Sylvie Bello: The Advocacy Catalyst
As the founder of the Cameroon American Council, I have witnessed firsthand the brutal injustices faced by Yves, Samuel, many Cameroonians, and Black immigrants more broadly. Our immigration detention centers are not just facilities—they are monuments to systemic racism. During the COVID pandemic and the aftermath of Hurricane Laura, I led the congressional advocacy efforts, engaging the Trump White House on releasing the immigrants from Cameroon, Angola, Congo, and other African nations from the Louisiana immigration jails. These people were enduring horrific conditions, where facilities flooded with urine and feces and lacked necessities such as electricity.
This is the reality of an immigration system still entrenched in the legacy of 400 years of white supremacist practices. Biden can further his legacy by granting Special Humanitarian Parole to Cameroonians, becoming the first-ever to make this program available to Africans in its 70+ year history
A United Struggle
Our three paths crossed in a Louisiana immigration detention center—of shared suffering. What began as individual fights for survival became a collective movement towards justice. Our joint efforts led to TPS for Cameroon, but our work is far from over.
Following release from detention, Pastor Manuel and Dr. Kaduli, with the Cameroon American Council, advocated at the Senate office for Cameoon TPS and Central African migrant priorities. (From L to R: Pastor Manuel in the blue suit; Dr. Kaduli in the blue tie).
The 5R Initiative: A Blueprint for Change The Cameroon American Council's 5R Initiative offers a comprehensive framework for addressing the needs of Central African migrants:
Remembrance: Honoring victims of Portuguese slavery and colonization in Angola and the Central African region.
Reparations: Establish the HR40 commission through executive action to study and address anti-Black racial injustices stemming from slavery.
Revitalization: Preserving African Lusophone culture and promoting language access.
Reconnection: Strengthen cultural ties within the diaspora, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
A Stark Contrast in Compassion
President Biden's swift immigration relief for Ukrainian migrants starkly contrasts with his inaction for Central African migrants. While Ukrainian asylum seekers received immediate protection following diplomatic meetings, Central African migrants continue to live in fear and uncertainty.
The urgent imperative of Temporary Protected Status for Angola and the DRC, alongside Special Humanitarian Parole for Cameroon, is more than a policy request—it is a moral necessity. These protections would:
Provide safety for those fleeing persecution
Allow migrants to live and work without constant fear of deportation
Demonstrate the United States' commitment to human rights
Enable meaningful societal contribution
A Call for Leadership and Action
President Biden, the moment to act is now. We urge you to take decisive executive action to designate Temporary Protected Status for Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo and provide Special Humanitarian Parole for Cameroonian migrants. Your leadership in granting these protections will uphold the values of justice and equity the United States claims to champion.
Engaging allies like Sen. Cory Booker and the Cameroon American Council’s petition help to amplify the call for immediate action:
Implement the 5Rs Initiative
Grant TPS for Angola and the DRC
Provide Special Humanitarian Parole for Cameroon
Our stories transcend individual struggles—they embody the collective resilience of Central African migrants fighting for safety, stability, and a chance to contribute meaningfully to their new home.
President Biden, your words must meet action. Let "The United States is all in on Africa" become a testament to justice, compassion, and human dignity—not just a promise but a reality.
Dr. Yves Kaduli, Undocumented Congolese Activist in Virginia
Pastor Samuel Manuel, Undocumented Angolan Activist in Maine
Ms. Sylvie Bello, Founder, Cameroon American Council
