President Biden extends deportation relief for 900,000 immigrants from Venezuela, El Salvador, Ukraine, and Sudan by renewing the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, countering potential changes by President-elect Trump, who opposes TPS protections. This move underscores the Biden administration’s commitment to aiding vulnerable immigrant populations amid ongoing political and economic instability in their home countries.
President Joe Biden has announced the extension of deportation relief for approximately 900,000 immigrants from Venezuela, El Salvador, Ukraine, and Sudan. This decision, made by the Department of Homeland Security, prolongs their enrollment in the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for an additional 18 months. This announcement serves to counter potential actions by President-elect Donald Trump, who had previously attempted to end TPS protections during his prior term.
Since taking office in 2021, President Biden has notably expanded the number of immigrants eligible for TPS, which is designated for individuals whose countries have faced severe crises, including natural disasters and armed conflicts. Currently, TPS safeguards over one million individuals from 17 countries. Trump, slated to assume office again on January 20, aims to enact stricter immigration policies, which could threaten the status of TPS recipients.
Activists and some members of Congress have pressed for broader protections, including extending TPS to more recently arrived immigrants and others from different countries. Todd Schulte, president of the advocacy group FWD.us, expressed that the extensions enable countless individuals to continue to contribute positively to their communities and the economy while calling for the program’s expansion to include Nicaragua and other nations deemed vulnerable. Among the beneficiaries, roughly 600,000 Venezuelans, who were first granted TPS in 2021, highlight ongoing instability marked by heightened crime and political turmoil under President Nicolas Maduro.
The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program provides relief from deportation for individuals from select countries experiencing extraordinary conditions such as ongoing conflict or natural disasters. Under the previous administration, efforts were made to limit TPS eligibility, with significant legal battles resulting from attempts to rescind protections. The Biden administration’s focus on extending TPS reflects its priority to support immigrant communities affected by crises, amid a contentious political landscape surrounding immigration policy.
In summary, the Biden administration’s renewal of TPS for 900,000 immigrants underscores a commitment to providing necessary protections amid ongoing crises in their home countries. This move seeks to mitigate the disruption that could arise from any potential rollback of TPS under the upcoming Trump administration. Continuous advocacy for the expansion of TPS remains crucial to address the needs of broader immigrant populations facing instability.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
