In a pivotal decision days before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, the Biden administration has announced the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for more than 900,000 immigrants from Venezuela, El Salvador, Ukraine, and Sudan.
The extension provides an additional 18 months of deportation relief and work authorization, ensuring these individuals can remain in the United States amid ongoing crises in their home countries.
- Venezuela: Over 600,000 Venezuelans will benefit from the extension, a crucial move as the country continues to grapple with a severe humanitarian crisis under President Nicolás Maduro. The Biden administration cited ongoing political oppression and economic instability as reasons for the extension.
- El Salvador: First granted TPS in 2001 following devastating earthquakes, more than 230,000 Salvadorans will remain protected under the program. The country’s persistent economic challenges and insecurity were key factors in the decision.
- Ukraine: With the ongoing conflict and Russian aggression in the region, approximately 100,000 Ukrainians in the U.S. will continue to receive protection.
- Sudan: Nearly 1,900 Sudanese nationals are included in the extension as the country endures political unrest and violence.
The Biden administration has expanded the program to include over a million people across 17 nations. However, the move has drawn criticism from Republican leaders, who argue that TPS has been overextended and may incentivize further illegal immigration.
The TPS program, created in 1990 as part of the Immigration Act under President George H.W. Bush, is designed to protect foreign nationals already in the U.S. from deportation when their home countries face armed conflict, political turmoil, or natural disasters.
