Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the plight of Cameroonian immigrants and the continued turmoil and instability in the nation of Cameroon merits a designation of humanitarian parole and calling on the Department of Homeland Security to create a humanitarian parole program for Cameroonians fleeing this violence.

Legislative Summary: H.RES. 378

Overview

H.RES. 378 is a House Resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the humanitarian crisis in Cameroon. The resolution formally recognizes the extreme instability and violence within Cameroon and calls upon the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish a dedicated humanitarian parole program for Cameroonian nationals seeking refuge in the United States.

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of this resolution is to advocate for a legal pathway for Cameroonians to enter the U.S. safely. It argues that the current situation in Cameroon—characterized by multiple overlapping armed conflicts and systemic human rights abuses—renders the country unsafe for its citizens, and that existing protections (such as Temporary Protected Status) may be insufficient or expiring.

The resolution also highlights a perceived historical disparity in U.S. immigration policy, noting that while over 120 categorical parole programs have been created for nations in Europe, Asia, and the Americas, none have been established for any of the 54 African nations.

Key Provisions and Requests

While this is a non-binding resolution (expressing the "sense of the House"), it makes three specific calls to action:

• Establishment of a Parole Program: It urges the Secretary of Homeland Security to use the authority granted under section 212(d)(5)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to create a special humanitarian parole program specifically for Cameroonian nationals.
• Recognition of Crisis: It formally acknowledges the "dire and ongoing humanitarian crisis" and the discriminatory treatment faced by Black and African immigrants within the U.S. immigration system.
• Resource Allocation: It urges the U.S. Government to provide the necessary funding and resources to ensure the successful resettlement and support of Cameroonians who would be granted parole.

Who is Affected?

• Cameroonian Nationals: Specifically those fleeing the "Anglophone Crisis," Boko Haram insurgency, intercommunal clashes (farmer-herder conflicts), and state-sanctioned political violence.
• Department of Homeland Security (DHS): The resolution places the onus on the Secretary of Homeland Security to exercise discretionary authority to grant parole.
• The Black Immigrant Community: The bill highlights the disproportionate rates of detention, solitary confinement, and asylum rejection faced by Black migrants in the U.S.

Context and Justification

The resolution cites several critical factors to justify the need for this program:
* Internal Conflict: Over 4,000 civilians killed in the Anglophone Crisis and thousands more by Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa.
* Political Instability: The long-term rule of President Paul Biya and the subsequent crackdown on political opposition.
* External Pressures: Stricter EU migration policies and the danger of extradition from neighboring Nigeria.
* Risks of Deportation: Reports from Human Rights Watch indicating that deported Cameroonians face rape, torture, and the seizure of identity documents upon return.

Procedural Status

• Introduced: May 5, 2025.
• Referrals: The bill has been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Foreign Affairs.