Democratic senators are calling on President Joe Biden to extend temporary protections for migrants in the U.S. before the end of his term. They warn that millions of individuals could face the risk of returning to unsafe countries once President-elect Donald Trump assumes office.
The senators have been privately advocating for executive actions from the White House to prolong legal protections for migrants into the incoming administration. Discussions are ongoing within the White House regarding potential steps to be taken.
Despite the recent permanent extension of work authorizations for asylum seekers by the Biden administration, commitments on other immigration priorities remain pending. With a limited timeframe before Biden's departure, several Democratic senators have publicly voiced their concerns.
The senators have urged the White House to re-designate or renew Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for migrants from Nicaragua, Ecuador, and El Salvador. They also seek expedited renewals for recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Over 1 million migrants in the U.S. rely on TPS, which allows them to stay and work legally if their home countries are deemed unsafe. The Trump administration had signaled intentions to scale back the program as part of its immigration enforcement strategy.
While the incoming administration's immigration policies are anticipated to be stringent, Democratic senators aim to provide legal protection and reassurance to affected families. Any actions taken by the outgoing president could establish legal barriers and empower migrants to challenge subsequent orders.
Advocates have intensified pressure on the Biden administration to re-designate Nicaraguan migrants for TPS, citing political and environmental concerns that make their return unsafe. The potential extension of temporary protections for certain nations is under consideration by the White House.
Individuals like Grethel Gomez, a Nicaraguan activist seeking asylum in the U.S., emphasize the importance of TPS in providing security and peace of mind amid deportation fears. Similarly, Jose Cabrera, a long-term TPS holder from El Salvador, expresses concerns about the impending end of TPS designation for his country.
The fate of these migrants hangs in the balance as discussions continue within the White House, with advocates and senators pushing for swift action to safeguard vulnerable populations.
