Major Policy Shift: Biden Extends Protected Status for Migrants

Man speaking at Biden campaign rally

The Biden administration’s decision to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nearly 1 million migrants demonstrates the complexities of immigration policy amidst shifting political landscapes.

At a Glance

  • The Biden administration extended TPS for approximately 1 million migrants from multiple nations.
  • This extension allows eligible migrants to stay in the U.S. for another 18 months.
  • The extension challenges the anticipated policies of incoming President-elect Donald Trump.
  • Migrants must meet specific residency and vetting requirements to qualify for TPS.

Biden’s Immigration Policy Extension

The Biden administration has extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for around 1 million migrants from countries like Sudan, Ukraine, El Salvador, and Venezuela for an additional 18 months. TPS provides eligible migrants protection and work permits due to conditions of armed conflict or unstable political situations in their home countries.

This extension directly counters the expected immigration strategies of President-elect Donald Trump, who has historically aimed to reduce the number of immigrants eligible for TPS. Trump had previously ended TPS for approximately 400,000 migrants during his presidency.

Impact on Affected Migrants

The extension affects about 1,900 Sudanese, 103,700 Ukrainians, 232,000 Salvadorans, and 600,000 Venezuelans. Only those currently enrolled in TPS may reapply, contingent upon meeting specific residency and vetting requirements. The administration emphasized this move as crucial protection for migrants from ongoing violence and humanitarian crises in their home nations.

“These designations are rooted in careful review and interagency collaboration to ensure those affected by environmental disasters and instability are given the protections they need while continuing to contribute meaningfully to our communities” – Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas

TPS also protects individuals from other countries such as Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ethiopia, and Haiti, underscoring its wide-ranging impact. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas reiterated TPS’s importance in helping migrants continue contributing to American communities.

Legal Challenges and Political Implications

Biden’s decision may face legal challenges should Trump attempt to rescind TPS again if he returns to office. The move highlights the ongoing legal entanglements and legislative complexities surrounding U.S. immigration policy. The extension is viewed as a response to Trump’s proposed mass deportations and efforts to phase out TPS.

“Trump can’t ignore what Congress wrote into law in 1990” – Cornell Law School professor Steve Yale-Loehr

TPS holders, while temporarily protected, continue to lack permanent residence and the associated civil rights. Immigration remains heavily debated, with Trump questioning the program’s legality and Biden facing criticism for not extending TPS to other groups, such as Palestinians.

Sources

1. Biden extends temporary status for immigrants from Ukraine, Venezuela

2. Biden admin announces sweeping deportation shield for nearly 1M migrants