A recent House Judiciary Committee report reveals a substantial rise in the number of immigrants shielded from deportation through the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program during the Biden administration. The TPS program, established in the 1990s, offers protection from deportation and work permits to nationals residing in the U.S. from countries facing unsafe conditions due to armed conflict or natural disasters.
Under the previous administration, efforts were made to limit the number of migrants benefiting from the TPS program. However, the Biden administration saw a significant expansion, with over 1.4 million individuals from 16 different countries granted TPS as of January.
The report highlights that the Biden-Harris administration added one million individuals to the TPS program in four years, compared to 410,000 beneficiaries at the end of the first Trump administration. The report also notes concerns about the TPS program evolving from a temporary status to a de facto amnesty, with some countries retaining TPS designation for decades despite changing conditions.
Notably, the report reveals that a large portion of TPS beneficiaries under the Biden administration entered the U.S. during that time, with a significant number coming from Haiti and Venezuela. The report raises issues of potential fraud in the rush to expand the program, citing instances of individuals falsely claiming nationality for TPS benefits.
While the report acknowledges historical abuses of the TPS program, it emphasizes the need for reforms to address fraud and ensure program integrity. Recent policy changes, including the revocation of TPS status for certain nationals, are seen as initial steps towards restoring the original temporary nature of the program.
In conclusion, the report calls for further actions to combat fraud, review TPS designations, and implement reforms to prevent future misuse of the program. It underscores the critical role of Congress in enacting necessary changes to safeguard the interests of the American people.
