Extending Temporary Protected Status: A Step Towards Protecting Vulnerable Migrants
WASHINGTON: President Joe Biden’s administration has extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 600,000 Venezuelans and over 200,000 Salvadorans in the US, just 10 days before Donald Trump takes office, vowing to crackdown on immigration.
Extension of TPS
The extension enables the migrants to remain in the US for 18 more months, citing the "inhumane" government of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, who was sworn in on the same day for his third six-year term. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also issued protections for about 100,000 people from Ukraine and 1,900 from Sudan.
A Fulfillment of Biden’s Pledge
The decision to extend TPS, which shields migrants from deportation and allows them to work legally in the US, fulfills a Biden pledge to safeguard people who he and others view as among the most vulnerable. The move also preempts any efforts by the incoming Trump administration to manage and potentially end protections for some of those same groups.
Border Crossings
In the last several years, Venezuelans have ranked among the largest groups of migrants crossing the US-Mexico border without authorisation to ask for asylum. The TPS program for the South American country initially enjoyed broad support.
Salvadoran Extensions
For some nations, including El Salvador, the protections have been extended for decades under multiple administrations. El Salvador was first included in the program in early 2001 after a series of earthquakes, with over 230,000 Salvadorans protected under the program. The latest renewal was justified due to "continued conditions from environmental disasters that resulted in a substantial, but temporary, disruption of living conditions in the affected areas of El Salvador."
Conclusion
The extension of TPS is a significant step towards protecting vulnerable migrants and fulfilling Biden’s pledge to safeguard those who are most in need. The move also highlights the importance of providing humanitarian relief to countries facing political and economic crises, such as Venezuela, and natural disasters, such as El Salvador.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?
A: TPS is a program that provides temporary protection from deportation and allows migrants to work legally in the US due to political strife, natural disasters, or armed conflict in their home countries.
Q: Who is eligible for TPS?
A: Migrants who are already in the US and meet certain requirements, such as being nationals of a country designated for TPS, may be eligible for the program.
Q: How long can TPS status be extended?
A: TPS status can be extended for up to 18 months, depending on the circumstances in the country of origin.