The Biden administration has expanded the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program, protecting over 860,000 foreign nationals from deportation.

President Joe Biden’s expansion includes nationals from 16 countries, marking a significant increase in the program's coverage, as Breitbart reports.

Massive Increase in TPS Protections

The TPS program, a pivotal component of U.S. immigration policy, is now protecting about 864,000 foreign nationals. These individuals, who would otherwise be considered illegal aliens, are shielded from deportation under this expanded program.

Data from the Congressional Research Service highlights that as of March 31, 2024, approximately 863,880 foreign nationals from 16 countries are protected by TPS. This expansion represents a substantial increase in the number of individuals benefiting from the program.

The countries currently under TPS designation include Afghanistan, Burma, Cameroon, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Yemen. Each of these countries is experiencing conditions that justify the need for TPS under U.S. immigration law.

Origins and Evolution of TPS

TPS was established under the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1990 (INA). The program was designed to prevent the deportation of individuals from countries facing famine, war, or natural disasters. Since its inception, TPS has provided temporary relief to those whose home countries are deemed unsafe for return.

The program has been continuously renewed by successive administrations, including Clinton, Bush, Obama, Trump, and now Biden. This ongoing renewal has effectively transformed TPS into a de facto amnesty program for many beneficiaries.

Specific groups such as certain Palestinians, Liberians, and residents of Hong Kong living in the United States also receive relief under Deferred Enforced Departure. This status, similar to TPS, provides temporary protection from deportation.

Impact of Biden's Expansion

The recent expansion under the Biden administration is particularly notable for the significant number of individuals it covers. Nearly 345,000 Venezuelans, over 200,000 Haitians, more than 180,000 El Salvadorans, over 54,000 Hondurans, and over 50,000 Ukrainians are now protected under TPS.

Most TPS recipients reside in a few key states, reflecting the demographic concentrations of immigrant communities. Florida hosts nearly 300,000 TPS recipients, while Texas, New York, and California each have tens of thousands.

Breitbart News reported in April that nearly 1.2 million foreign nationals are now eligible for TPS. This figure underscores the broad scope of the program and its significant role in U.S. immigration policy.

Congressional Data Explains

The Congressional Research Service has provided detailed the aforementioned data on the current state of the TPS program.

This expansion aligns with the Biden administration's broader immigration policy goals, aiming to provide, it argues, humanitarian relief to individuals from countries in crisis. By extending TPS protections, the administration says it is addressing the immediate needs of these vulnerable populations.

Continuous Renewal and Criticism

Since its creation, the TPS program has faced both support and criticism. Proponents argue that it provides essential protection for individuals who cannot safely return to their home countries. Critics, however, contend that the program has become a form of prolonged amnesty, with recipients remaining in the U.S. indefinitely.

The continuous renewal of TPS by multiple administrations highlights the complex nature of U.S. immigration policy. Each extension reflects ongoing humanitarian concerns and geopolitical realities that influence immigration decisions.

The Biden administration's expansion of TPS underscores what it describes as a commitment to protecting vulnerable populations while navigating the broader challenges of immigration reform.

Conclusion

The Biden administration's expansion of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program now protects over 860,000 foreign nationals from deportation.

This significant increase in TPS recipients includes individuals from 16 countries facing dire conditions such as war, famine, and natural disasters. The TPS program, established under the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1990, has been continuously renewed by successive administrations, effectively becoming a form of de facto amnesty.

The expansion reflects the administration's stated commitment to providing humanitarian relief and addressing the complexities of U.S. immigration policy while also attracting significant criticism and scrutiny.