The Biden administration has extended temporary deportation protections for hundreds of thousands of immigrants residing in the United States. This relief, known as Temporary Protected Status (TPS), is designed to assist individuals who would face extreme hardship if forced to return to homelands devastated by armed conflict or natural disasters. The protections are limited to individuals already in the United States and have been designated by both Republican and Democratic administrations.
The recent announcement applies to individuals from El Salvador, Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela, providing them with an additional 18 months of protection from deportation. This extension allows them to remain in the US with work permits, offering a sense of stability and security.
During his first term, former President Trump attempted to end TPS for El Salvador and other countries but encountered legal challenges. Immigrant advocates and Democratic lawmakers have been advocating for increased protections for immigrants fearing the loss of their status under the new administration.
The decision to extend temporary protections for El Salvador, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Sudan comes as a relief to approximately 232,000 Salvadorans, 1,900 Sudanese, 104,000 Ukrainians, and 600,000 Venezuelans, according to the Department of Homeland Security. These individuals can now continue to reside and work in the US without the fear of deportation.
It is important to note that Friday's announcement does not expand the pool of individuals eligible for TPS. The Department of Homeland Security will continue to monitor country conditions and make decisions regarding the extension or termination of TPS at least 60 days prior to the expiration of the current designation.
