Senate Democrats Urge Biden to Secure Migrants' Presence in US Before Presidential Transition

 December 6, 2024

Senate Democrats are seeking immediate action from President Joe Biden to solidify measures that will allow more migrants to remain in the United States before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office.

The liberal lawmakers' focus is largely on extending protections for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders before the start of the Trump administration, as Breitbart reports.

Urgent Plea to Protect Immigrant Groups

Leading this call to action are Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico, and Alex Padilla of California, who have collectively addressed a letter to the president. Within the letter, the senators request that Biden provide immigration benefits to undocumented immigrants and other migrants in the country before his term concludes next month.

One of the primary objectives is to ensure that individuals under DACA -- commonly known as Dreamers -- can extend their status for the longest period allowed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DACA allows certain undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children to defer deportation and receive work permits.

Concerns Over Incoming Administration's Policies

The senators' appeal doesn't stop with DACA recipients. They are also advocating for several countries to be redesignated under TPS. This status grants temporary refuge to migrants from countries experiencing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary conditions, allowing them to remain in the U.S. longer.

Cortez Masto has voiced her concerns that the upcoming administration under Donald Trump might initiate drastic deportation measures. She expressed these fears during an interview with MSNBC, saying, “What I take from this incoming administration is that they might engage in widespread deportation activities, potentially putting all at risk.”

Biden's Past Efforts

Since taking office in January 2021, the Biden administration has significantly increased the foreign-born population in the United States. The numbers have risen by nearly seven million, reaching a total of approximately 52 million individuals by the end of his term. This increase reflects the administration's more inclusive approach to immigration.

Senators supporting this initiative emphasize their commitment to both security at the borders and protection for immigrants critical to American communities and economies. In the letter, they stress their belief in the importance of not overlooking Dreamers, TPS holders, and other pivotal immigrant groups.

Balancing Security with "Inclusive" Policies

Biden’s administration has regularly faced challenges balancing firm border policies and humane immigration practices. Despite efforts to modernize and improve the immigration system, many Democrats are acknowledging the imminent shift in policy that might accompany Trump’s presidency.

Additionally, the senators push for the redesignation of TPS for countries with significant migrant populations in the United States. Extending TPS could serve as a buffer against sudden deportations under the new administration’s policies.

Ensuring Continuity and Safety in Uncertain Times

Cortez Masto’s comments reflect a broader anxiety on the left about policy reversals under Trump’s leadership. Her remarks underscore the potential risks faced by immigrant communities should aggressive deportation policies resurface.

The urgency in the Democrats' letter stems from the anticipation that the incoming administration may swiftly reverse some of the immigration policies established under Biden. Immediate protective measures might mitigate possible impacts on vulnerable communities.

Bipartisan Challenges in Achieving Lasting Reform

Achieving immigration reform has been a complex issue that spans across political divides. While some progress has been made, lasting reform requires bipartisan cooperation that has often been difficult to secure.

The Democrats’ approach signifies an attempt to lay groundwork ahead of a possible policy overhaul. Their actions indicate preparation for the upcoming transition and the uncertain political landscape it may bring.

Looking Ahead to Legislative Strategies

Looking beyond immediate executive actions, lawmakers must also consider legislative paths to secure long-term solutions for immigration. The recent appeal to Biden may only serve as a temporary measure until broader legislation can be achieved.

This effort among Senate Democrats highlights the complex interplay between executive decisions and legislative processes in shaping immigration policy. As the transition unfolds, attention will remain on how both the outgoing and incoming administrations handle these crucial issues.

Community and Economic Impacts at Stake

The outcome of these efforts will have significant implications not only for the migrants directly involved but also for the communities and economies that depend on them. The focus remains on ensuring continuity and stability during a period marked by uncertainty.

As attention shifts to the incoming administration's approach to immigration, the groundwork laid by the current administration and congressional Democrats may influence future policy directions. Evaluating these early actions will be critical in understanding the broader impact on the fabric of American society.

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