Biden Extends Deportation Relief for 900,000 Immigrants from Four Nations
President Biden’s administration has renewed deportation relief for 900,000 immigrants from Venezuela, El Salvador, Ukraine, and Sudan, extending the Temporary Protected Status by 18 months. This decision counters potential termination efforts from Donald Trump’s incoming administration and emphasizes the importance of TPS in providing humanitarian relief amid challenges faced by these communities.
On Friday, President Joe Biden’s administration announced an extension of deportation relief for approximately 900,000 immigrants hailing from Venezuela, El Salvador, Ukraine, and Sudan. This extension of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program will allow these individuals to remain in the United States for an additional 18 months, with the ability to obtain work permits, effectively delaying any potential termination of these protections by the incoming Trump administration.
Since taking office in 2021, President Biden has significantly expanded the number of immigrants eligible for TPS, which serves as a humanitarian measure granting relief to individuals whose home countries face extraordinary hardships, such as natural disasters or armed conflicts. Currently, TPS protects over one million people from a total of 17 different countries.
During his previous presidency from 2017-2021, Donald Trump attempted to limit TPS enrollment but faced legal challenges that hindered his efforts. With Trump’s return to the presidency slated for January 20, he is expected to push for the termination of TPS protections as part of a broader immigration crackdown. Notably, Trump’s team did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding this announcement.
While the Biden administration’s recent actions provide crucial relief, they stop short of expansive demands from certain activist groups and Democrats, who are advocating for TPS to be granted to more recently arrived immigrants and individuals from additional nations. Todd Schulte, president of the advocacy organization FWD.us, commended the extensions, emphasizing their importance in helping individuals support their families and contribute to the economy. He also called upon President Biden to continue expanding TPS to nations such as Nicaragua.
Among those who benefit from the TPS extension, approximately 600,000 Venezuelans make up the most significant group, as this status was first granted to them in 2021. The Biden administration cited the high rates of crime in Venezuela, exacerbated by the political and economic instability under President Nicolás Maduro, as the rationale for maintaining this humanitarian relief.
The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a vital humanitarian measure that offers relief to individuals from countries experiencing dire situations like natural disasters or significant conflicts. Established in the 1990s, TPS allows eligible individuals to remain in the United States without the risk of deportation and provides them with the ability to apply for work authorization. The Biden administration has taken steps to expand TPS eligibility, reflecting a shift in the U.S. approach to immigration policy and humanitarian assistance compared to previous administrations, particularly in light of the challenges faced by immigrants from politically unstable regions.
In summary, President Biden’s administration has successfully extended deportation relief for 900,000 immigrants from specific nations, providing critical safeguards amid the impending transition of power to Donald Trump. While this extension will support the immigrants affected for an additional 18 months, the call for a broader inclusion of TPS for other nations remains significant. The forthcoming presidential term will likely influence TPS policies, particularly as Trump aims to revisit prior strategies to limit immigration protections.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
