Biden Extends Temporary Protected Status for Nearly One Million Immigrants

The Biden administration has extended Temporary Protected Status for nearly one million immigrants from El Salvador, Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela, allowing them to renew work permits and deportation protections. This decision benefits over 900,000 individuals during a politically sensitive time, as the incoming Trump administration has indicated plans to reduce TPS protections. Calls for broader eligibility, including recently arrived migrants, have not been satisfied due to concerns about political backlash.

On Friday, the Biden administration announced an extension of temporary legal status for nearly one million immigrants from El Salvador, Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela, who are currently enrolled in the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program. This action allows immigrants from these nations to renew their work permits and remain protected from deportation, serving as a critical reprieve for individuals from countries experiencing crises such as war and natural disasters.

The decision will directly benefit approximately 234,000 Salvadorans, 1,900 Sudanese, 104,000 Ukrainians, and 600,000 Venezuelans. The TPS program for El Salvador is extended until March 2026, while Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela designations will be maintained until October 2026. This announcement comes amidst the incoming Trump’s administration, which has indicated intentions to restrict such protections.

This extension is significant, given that President-elect Donald Trump has expressed plans to undermine TPS and implement stricter immigration controls. His administration previously attempted to terminate TPS for numerous immigrants but faced legal opposition. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains the authority to revoke TPS designations upon providing a 60-day notice.

While TPS was expanded, the Biden administration did not include new arrivals in the program, a choice criticized by progressive activists who argue that inclusion would complicate Trump’s potential deportation plans. Estimates suggest that re-designating TPS for Venezuela could have made an additional 450,000 migrants eligible.

The Biden administration also encountered pressure to extend TPS eligibility to numerous Nicaraguan immigrants but resisted due to concerns about political implications, fearing the move could be perceived as an attempt to obstruct the upcoming administration. The government’s internal discussions reveal hesitation regarding actions that may appear politically charged.

The immigrant demographics under consideration vary in their backgrounds; many Salvadorans have resided in the U.S. for over two decades since TPS was first granted post-earthquake in 2001. Venezuelan TPS holders largely arrived following government repression and economic turmoil in their homeland, while Ukrainians were processed shortly after early 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine, entering either through border processing or under specific U.S. humanitarian initiatives.

The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program provides refuge for individuals from countries facing significant crises, including armed conflict and natural disasters. Established to safeguard those unable to return safely to their home countries, TPS has faced scrutiny and opposition from various political groups, particularly concerning its temporary nature and the duration of its extensions. The Biden administration’s recent decision comes as it prepares for a transition of power that may alter the landscape of immigration policy drastically.

In summary, the Biden administration’s decision to extend TPS for nearly one million immigrants serves as an essential protective measure against deportations, particularly as the incoming Trump administration threatens to curtail such programs. The actions taken reflect a commitment to individuals facing significant hardships but simultaneously, the administration has faced criticism for not addressing all eligible populations. The stakes are high as the political climate evolves, affecting immigrant communities broadly.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com