A recent letter from the Nsahlai Law Firm based in the USA has called on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to revoke immigration statuses and expedite deportation proceedings for members of the Ambazonia separatist movement residing in the country. The letter, dated January 21, 2025, argues that these individuals have committed immigration fraud, violated anti-terrorism laws, and engaged in crimes against humanity.
“The actions of these individuals undermine the integrity of the U.S. 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,” the letter read in part.
Allegations of Terrorism and Immigration Fraud
According to the document, members of the Ambazonia separatist movement—including prominent figures such as Tapang Ivo Tanku, Eric Tano Tataw, Christopher Anu, Samuel Ikome Sako and John Mbah Akuro—have allegedly used their positions to incite violence, solicit funds for terrorist activities, and recruit supporters. The letter contends that these individuals have either pending asylum applications or have been denied asylum and are appealing, despite their alleged involvement in terrorism-related activities.
Emmanuel Nsahlai, the author of the letter and principal of the Nsahlai Law Firm, stated, “The Ambazonia separatist movement and its members are the prime example of the type of immigrants that the U.S. government seeks to target and deport. These individuals have engaged in material support of terrorism and committed crimes against humanity, including killing school children.”
Call for Action
The letter makes specific requests to DHS, including:
- Expedited Review of Asylum Applications – Ensuring that asylum applications from Ambazonia separatists undergo enhanced vetting, particularly regarding their alleged support for terrorism.
- Revocation of Immigration Status – Requesting that green cards and citizenships of individuals engaged in terrorism or fraud be revoked.
- Deportation Proceedings – Prioritizing the deportation of those who have been denied asylum or found inadmissible under U.S. law.
“The actions of these individuals undermine the integrity of the U.S. immigration system,” Nsahlai argued. “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.”
Implications for U.S. Immigration Policy
The letter aligns with the Trump administration’s immigration priorities, which emphasized national security and the removal of individuals involved in terrorism or criminal activities. It also references several U.S. court cases where members of the Ambazonia movement have been convicted or remain detained pending trial on charges related to material support of terrorism.
“The Trump administration’s immigration policies emphasize national security and the removal of individuals involved in terrorism or criminal activities. These policies provide an essential framework for addressing the threat posed by Ambazonia separatists who reside in the U.S. and continue to engage in material support of terrorism,” Nsahlai said.
The letter included a partial list of Ambazonia separatists living in the U.S., naming individuals who allegedly committed immigration fraud and supported terrorism.
“This is substantiated by the conviction of nearly twenty high-ranking members of these organizations. Examples include United States v. Michael (Case 1:19-mj-02413), United States v. Edith Ngang (Case 1:21-cr-00195), and United States v. Alambi Walters (Case 1:21-cr-00194), and over 15 other related cases,” Nsahlai said.
Depending however, on how the DHS treats this request, the outcome could have significant implications for U.S. immigration policy, asylum processes, and international relations concerning the Ambazonia separatist movement.
