Biden Under Pressure to Extend Immigration Protections Before Government Transition
The impending arrival of Donald Trump to the White House has raised alarms in the Senate, where Democratic lawmakers are urging outgoing President Joe Biden to extend temporary protections for migrants before the end of his term. This effort aims to prevent millions from being deported to countries deemed unsafe.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS): A Shield for Thousands
TPS allows migrants from certain countries to remain and work legally in the United States if their home nations face political, economic, or environmental crises. Over a million people currently rely on this program, including citizens from Nicaragua, Ecuador, and El Salvador.
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However, President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to tighten immigration policies, including scaling back TPS. His return to power could trigger a wave of deportations, creating uncertainty among immigrant communities.
Pressure from the Senate
Senators like Alex Padilla (California) and Catherine Cortez Masto (Nevada) are leading calls to the White House to renew TPS and expedite processing for the DACA program, which protects young immigrants known as “Dreamers.” Both lawmakers emphasize the urgency of these measures to ensure legal stability for thousands of families.
“We have the opportunity to act now and provide legal protection to these families,” said Cortez Masto, warning of the potential for “chaotic policies” under the incoming administration.
Challenges for the White House
While the Biden administration has made progress on certain issues, such as extending work permits for asylum seekers, additional measures for TPS have not been finalized. According to internal sources, the White House is considering options, but any executive action could face legal challenges with the upcoming government transition.
For current beneficiaries like José Cabrera, who has lived in the United States for decades, the uncertainty is palpable: “There is so much fear among migrants like me, especially with the new administration coming in.”
Impact on the Immigrant Community
Renewing or redesignating TPS would not only provide immediate relief but also strengthen the legal position of migrants in the face of potential drastic immigration policy changes. Activists and human rights organizations have also ramped up pressure, highlighting the risks of returning to countries plagued by instability and violence.
As time runs out, the decisions made in the coming weeks could shape the future of thousands of immigrant families in the United States.
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Tag:Gobierno, políticas migratorias, USA
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