Biden administration extends temporary status for nearly 1 million migrants ahead of Trump's deportations
The Biden administration announced a significant extension of temporary deportation relief to close to 1 million individuals from El Salvador, Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela. This decision comes just days before the inauguration of Donald Trump, who had pledged to tighten restrictions on immigration policies.
Extending Temporary Protected Status
Under this move, individuals from these countries currently holding Temporary Protected Status (TPS) can now renew their work permits and deportation protections. The extension covers El Salvador until March 2026 and Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela until October 2026. TPS, established by Congress in 1990, serves as a legal reprieve for individuals from nations facing natural disasters, armed conflicts, or other extraordinary conditions.
Anticipated Policy Changes
The Trump administration is expected to reduce the scope of this policy as the new president prepares to implement stricter immigration regulations and increase mass deportations. While the Department of Homeland Security Secretary has the authority to revoke TPS designations with a 60-day notice, President Biden’s decision to prolong protections could impede Trump’s efforts to terminate them. During his previous term, Trump faced legal challenges when attempting to end TPS protections for hundreds of thousands of immigrants.
Preventing Last-Minute Actions
In the lead-up to Trump’s return to Washington, the Biden administration has been deliberating on various measures to safeguard immigrants. Democratic lawmakers and immigration advocates have been urging the administration to take decisive actions to protect vulnerable communities.
Challenges at the Southern Border
Persistent issues at the southern border posed challenges for Biden during his term, with immigration becoming a focal point in the 2024 election, ultimately aiding Trump’s electoral success. Biden has expressed reservations about the TPS program, alleging misuse of authority by previous administrations.
Transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt emphasized Trump’s commitment to implementing stringent immigration policies, including deporting criminal migrants and enhancing national security measures while reducing financial burdens on families.
Advocacy and Criticism
Despite the recent extensions, advocates and some Democratic allies have criticized the Biden administration for not broadening eligibility criteria for TPS. The failure to include additional countries like Nicaragua and Ecuador in the extension has drawn mixed reactions.
Senator Catherine Cortez Masto expressed disappointment over the exclusion of Nicaragua and urged President Biden to reconsider TPS redesignations for these nations.
Urgent Calls for Action
Advocates have highlighted the vulnerability of Nicaraguans under the current immigration framework, particularly those who entered through humanitarian parole programs. The imminent expiration of their parole grants poses a dilemma, with limited avenues for legal status.
FWD.us president Todd Schulte urged the administration to prioritize redesignating TPS for countries like Nicaragua, emphasizing the urgent need to address the precarious situation faced by affected individuals.
Amidst these discussions, administration officials have been cautious about premature redesignations, aiming to avoid politicizing the process or impeding the transition to the new administration.
