President Joe Biden’s administration has extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for immigrants from Venezuela, El Salvador, Ukraine, and Sudan, granting deportation relief and work permits for an additional 18 months.
The announcement, made on Friday, ensures continued protection for vulnerable populations as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office on January 20.
The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) decision affects 900,000 immigrants and maintains legal status for individuals fleeing natural disasters, armed conflicts, or extraordinary circumstances.
Since 2021, Biden’s administration has expanded TPS to cover over 1 million people from 17 nations, solidifying its commitment to immigrant communities.
While Trump previously attempted to terminate most TPS enrolments during his first term, legal challenges stalled his efforts.
With campaign promises of aggressive immigration reforms, Trump’s return could bring renewed attempts to roll back Biden’s policies.
However, Friday’s extension offers critical protections against abrupt policy changes.
Advocates, including Todd Schulte of FWD.us, lauded the decision for its economic and community impact but called for further expansions, such as extending TPS to Nicaraguans.