How Biden Administration Saved Immigrants From Deportation Before Leaving the Office

The Biden administration has extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for over 900,000 individuals from Venezuela, El Salvador, Ukraine, and Sudan. This decision grants deportation relief and work permits for an additional 18 months, ensuring stability for those fleeing dire conditions in their home countries.

TPS offers protection to individuals already in the United States who cannot safely return to their home countries due to armed conflict, natural disasters, or political strife. It was established under the Immigration Act of 1990 by President George H.W. Bush.

Over the years, the program has become a lifeline for many, though it has also sparked political debate. Critics argue that it encourages illegal immigration, while supporters see it as a vital tool for humanitarian relief. Under the Biden administration, TPS has expanded significantly, now covering over 1 million people from 17 countries.

The extension of TPS comes at a crucial moment, particularly for immigrants from these four countries: Venezuela, Ukraine, El Salvador and Sudan.

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More than 600,000 Venezuelans stand to benefit from the extension. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) cited the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, exacerbated by the economic collapse and political turmoil under President Nicolás Maduro’s regime.

“This extension is a lifeline for families fleeing unimaginable hardship,” the DHS noted, emphasizing the lack of basic necessities and widespread human rights abuses in Venezuela.

TPS has provided protection to over 230,000 Salvadorans since 2001, following devastating earthquakes. For many, the extension ensures continued safety amid ongoing challenges in the country, including gang violence and economic instability.

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Approximately 100,000 Ukrainians are covered under TPS, reflecting the ongoing war and humanitarian crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion. This extension highlights the United States’ commitment to supporting those affected by conflict.

The program also covers 1,900 Sudanese nationals, offering them a reprieve from deportation as their country grapples with ongoing political instability and violence.

The timing of this decision—announced just days before Donald Trump’s inauguration—underscores the Biden administration’s focus on preserving immigrant protections. TPS has long been a contentious issue, with Republican lawmakers arguing that the program is too expansive and encourages illegal immigration.

By extending TPS, the Biden administration has effectively placed a temporary barrier against potential efforts to dismantle or restrict the program. The move signals a commitment to prioritizing humanitarian needs over political rhetoric.