Biden administration took a critical move on Friday, extending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to approximately 230,000 Salvadorans and 600,000 Venezuelans who currently live in the United States. The move came just ahead of the end of the presidency of Joe Biden as he faced pressure from immigrant advocates and lawmakers demanding the Department of Homeland Security extend its protection for the groups.
TPS protects people from being sent back to countries experiencing catastrophic conditions, such as hurricanes or civil war. In El Salvador, the renewal was supported by severe climatic events, while Venezuelans were protected based on the prolonged political and economic crisis in that country. The declaration came during the swearing-in of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro for a third term, after widespread allegations of electoral fraud and human rights abuses under his administration.
The extension of TPS was important, especially considering the more draconian approach the Trump administration was likely to take. The outgoing administration had sought to terminate TPS for Salvadorans, although legal challenges kept it from taking effect. Advocates are now worried that other countries, including Guatemala and Ecuador, may see their TPS designations expire without additional extensions.
Felipe Arnoldo Díaz, the activist from National TPS Alliance, referred the extension as “a small victory,” adding that many countries’ futures were uncertain regarding their TPS status. To one Salvadoran living in the US since 1998, for example, it was stability and security brought about by this extension of TPS. Palma, who works as an organizer in Houston, expressed relief, stating that it provides him with “18 more months of being protected” and the ability to continue providing for his family.
While an extension is a short-term win for TPS holders, it doesn’t ease all anxieties; many remain worried about their long-term future in the US.
