On January 10, the Biden administration announced a decision to exempt approximately 1 million illegal immigrants from Venezuela, El Salvador, Ukraine, Sudan, and other countries from deportation. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revealed that it would extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for these individuals for an additional 18 months, beyond the previous expiration date. TPS allows nationals from countries experiencing natural disasters, armed conflicts, or other extraordinary conditions to remain in the U.S. temporarily, with protection from deportation and the ability to work.
This move comes just 10 days before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has previously signalled plans to launch one of the largest deportation operations in U.S. history. Trump has also expressed intentions to reduce the use of TPS and other temporary status policies as part of his broader deportation strategy. TPS, originally enacted by Congress in 1990, offers protection for individuals who cannot safely return to their home countries due to severe conditions such as civil wars or natural disasters.
The extension of TPS will benefit citizens from four countries: Venezuela, with approximately 600,000 people; El Salvador, with around 232,000; Ukraine, with about 103,700; and Sudan, with roughly 1,900. However, the DHS clarified that this extension applies only to those who are already enrolled in the TPS program. Non-citizens who cannot prove a legal basis for staying in the U.S. will still face deportation.