Dem senator urges Biden to extend protections for illegal immigrants before Trump admin: ‘Nobody is safe’
A Democratic senator, Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, is urging the Biden administration to extend deportation protections and work permits for illegal immigrants in the United States. This comes as the incoming Trump administration is expected to launch a mass deportation campaign, raising concerns about the fate of immigrant families.
Sen. Cortez Masto emphasized the importance of utilizing Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to shield nationals from countries deemed unsafe for return. TPS allows individuals already residing in the U.S. to obtain work permits and avoid deportation. The Biden administration has utilized TPS extensively, particularly for nationals from Haiti and Venezuela.
Additionally, efforts have been made to safeguard individuals protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which benefits undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as minors. Sen. Cortez Masto stressed the need for President Biden to take action to extend TPS statuses and process DACA applications promptly.
The Trump administration previously attempted to terminate DACA and limit TPS protections. With the impending mass deportation campaign, Sen. Cortez Masto urged the administration to provide certainty and keep immigrant families together by extending TPS and enhancing DACA safeguards.
In a recent move, the Biden administration extended and redesignated TPS for Lebanese nationals, allowing new applicants to seek protection. This decision, along with Deferred Enforcement Departure, demonstrates the administration’s commitment to utilizing executive authority to protect vulnerable populations.
Sen. Cortez Masto’s advocacy underscores the importance of prioritizing the well-being of immigrant communities and ensuring their integration into American society. As the immigration debate continues to evolve, policymakers must address these issues with compassion and pragmatism to uphold the values of inclusivity and diversity in the United States.
