‘Deeply disgusted’: GOP senator shreds Biden admin in scathing letter on new immigrant deportation shield

Senator Bernie Moreno, a newly sworn-in Senator from Ohio, wasted no time in making his mark in the Senate. In his first official act, Moreno penned a scathing letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, demanding answers on the extension of deportation protections for foreign nationals from El Salvador, Venezuela, Ukraine, and Sudan.

In his letter, Moreno expressed deep concern over the 18-month extensions of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for these countries, allowing nearly 1 million noncitizens to remain in the United States until the Fall of 2026. Moreno criticized the decision, which was made by the outgoing administration just days before President Donald J. Trump took office, accusing the Biden-Harris Administration of disregarding the will of American voters who rejected their open-border policies.

The Department of Homeland Security announced the extension of TPS for El Salvador, Venezuela, Sudan, and Ukraine due to environmental disasters, political instability, and conflicts in these countries. However, Moreno questioned the government’s rationale for the move, pointing out that the weather in El Salvador is currently sunny and 81 degrees Fahrenheit, casting doubt on the justification for the extension.

The extensions do not redesignate countries for TPS, meaning only those currently protected by the program are eligible for an extension. Venezuela, El Salvador, Ukraine, and Sudan will see their TPS status extended, affecting hundreds of thousands of nationals. The move could complicate efforts by the Trump administration to deport illegal immigrants from these countries, especially given concerns about gangs like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua.

In his letter to Secretary Mayorkas, Moreno requested information on the number of MS-13 and TdA gang members in the U.S., as well as details on the vetting process for TPS recipients to ensure they do not pose a threat to national security. Moreno also questioned the government’s handling of the “geological and weather events” cited as reasons for the TPS extensions.

The Biden administration has used TPS broadly, designating or redesignating countries for the program, including Venezuela, Afghanistan, and Haiti. President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance have indicated their intention to cut back on TPS, particularly for Haiti, once in office.

In conclusion, Senator Bernie Moreno’s bold stance on the extension of TPS highlights the ongoing debate over immigration policies in the United States. As the Biden administration continues to navigate the complex issues surrounding immigration, it remains to be seen how they will address concerns raised by lawmakers like Moreno.