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In a decisive move, the Biden administration on Friday extended critical protections for immigrants under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program, securing time for thousands of beneficiaries ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.
The Department of Homeland Security announced the 18-month extensions for TPS designations in El Salvador, Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela.
TPS allows nationals from countries deemed too unsafe for deportation to remain and work in the United States while the designation remains active.
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The program, initially established for Salvadoran refugees in 1990, has faced repeated challenges, including attempts by the first Trump administration to reduce its scope. Advocates fear similar efforts could resurface under the new Trump administration.
José Palma, spokesperson for the National TPS Alliance, praised the extensions, particularly for Salvadorans, while highlighting that many migrants from other troubled nations like Haiti, Nepal, and Nicaragua remain vulnerable.
Palma stressed the urgent need for further action to protect these individuals from losing their legal protections and being forced to leave the United States.
The Biden administration has strengthened protections for Venezuelan and Haitian nationals, increasing the total number of TPS beneficiaries to over 830,000.
According to UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguía, TPS holders have made significant contributions to the U.S. economy. In 2021 alone, they paid over $2.2 billion in taxes and held $8 billion in spending power, providing vital support to local economies.
“The Biden administration has taken a critical step in safeguarding more than 830,000 Latino immigrants who have spent decades contributing to our economy and communities,” Murguía said. “Their ability to remain with their families and work legally strengthens the nation.”
The Biden administration’s announcement ensures TPS protections will remain in place until at least 2026. This move provides stability for beneficiaries who lack pathways to other immigration statuses and often face uncertainty regarding their legal status.
Advocates, including Rep. Pramila Jayapal, have urged the administration to continue using its authority to expand TPS designations for other eligible countries. “While there is much work to be done to fix our broken immigration system, these extensions provide crucial stability to many families,” Jayapal said.
Under the Trump administration, efforts to phase out TPS were met with resistance, resulting in legal challenges and delays. Despite these setbacks, many fear that Trump’s incoming administration may attempt to dismantle the program again.
Immigration advocates stress the importance of TPS as a vital lifeline, enabling recipients to live and work in the U.S. when returning to their home countries is unsafe.
The extension of TPS designations represents a significant win for immigrant communities, offering a reprieve from the uncertainty that has loomed for years.
However, with a new administration set to take office, the future of the program remains in question, leaving advocates vigilant as they continue to push for long-term solutions to the nation’s immigration challenges.
