Biden Administration Extends TPS for Nearly 1 Million Immigrants Ahead of Trump Era

On Friday, the Biden administration extended Temporary Protected Status for nearly 1 million immigrants from El Salvador, Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela, allowing them to renew work permits and protections against deportation until 2026. This decision comes amidst potential changes under the incoming Trump administration, which has expressed plans to diminish TPS benefits.

On Friday, the Biden administration announced an extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nearly 1 million immigrants from El Salvador, Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela. This program allows individuals from countries facing significant turmoil to renew their work permits and protections against deportation. Approximately 234,000 Salvadorans, 1,900 Sudanese, 104,000 Ukrainians, and 600,000 Venezuelans will benefit. The extension for El Salvador will last until March 2026, while the other designations will be extended until October 2026.

This decision is significant in light of statements made by President-elect Donald Trump, who has promised to reduce TPS and implement stricter immigration policies. Past attempts to end TPS during Trump’s first presidency faced legal hurdles, indicating a contentious debate surrounding the program. Although some advocates pressed the Biden administration to include new arrivals under TPS, officials opted against making such additions, citing concerns about perceptions of political maneuvering.

The TPS beneficiaries represent a diverse immigrant population, many of whom have lived in the U.S. for decades. Salvadorans were first granted TPS in 2001 following severe earthquakes, while Venezuelans largely entered the U.S. amid a humanitarian crisis. Similarly, Ukrainians have found refuge in the U.S. since Russia’s invasion last year.

The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program was established to provide legal protections to individuals from countries experiencing war, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions that prevent safe return. As part of his immigration reform initiatives, President-elect Donald Trump has expressed intentions to diminish TPS benefits, creating uncertainty for those currently protected under the program. The Biden administration’s recent extension indicates an effort to safeguard the status of numerous immigrants who have settled in the U.S. amidst ongoing conflicts and crises in their home countries. This move may serve to counteract the potential rollback of such protections under the incoming administration’s policies.

In summary, the Biden administration’s decision to extend TPS for nearly 1 million immigrants signifies a continuation of protective measures for vulnerable populations against anticipated policy changes by the incoming Trump administration. While this extension secures work permits and deportation protections for many, the lack of new designations reflects ongoing tensions and political considerations in the realm of immigration policy.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com