A coalition of Democratic lawmakers is calling on President Joe Biden to take immediate action to strengthen protections for immigrant communities, particularly in light of growing concerns about mass deportations under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. With escalating fears over potential rollbacks of vital protections, lawmakers are urging the Biden administration to act decisively to safeguard the rights of vulnerable immigrant groups.
At the heart of the issue is Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a program that shields immigrants from deportation due to conditions in their home countries, such as violence or natural disasters. Jose Cabrera, a landscaper from El Salvador who has lived in the United States for over 30 years, is one of many individuals who could be at risk of deportation under Trump’s incoming administration. Cabrera, a TPS holder, has deep roots in his community and, like many others, faces an uncertain future.
“Jose has been an integral part of his community for decades. He has worked hard and contributed to the fabric of this nation,” said Cabrera’s translator during a press conference on Wednesday. “But with the new administration coming in, his future is in jeopardy.”
Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), along with his colleagues from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, has voiced strong support for extending TPS protections for individuals from El Salvador, Ecuador, and Nicaragua. Padilla emphasized the potential risks facing long-term immigrant residents who could be targeted for deportation under the new administration.
“We are facing an unprecedented threat to the lives and futures of long-term immigrant communities. The incoming administration has made it clear that they intend to dismantle protections and deport millions who have called this country home for years,” said Padilla. “We cannot allow this to happen.”
Alongside TPS holders, the senators are calling for swift action to ensure that Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients are able to renew their status without delay. DACA provides temporary protection from deportation for undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.
Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) expressed that this is not a matter of political debate, but a matter of legal responsibility. “The president has the legal authority to offer certainty to these long-term immigrant communities. He must use that power to ensure these people’s futures are protected,” she said.
The lawmakers are also urging President Biden to expedite the renewal process for DACA recipients, who face an increasingly uncertain future under the looming threat of mass deportations.
In stark contrast, Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has criticized the Biden administration’s immigration policies, arguing that illegal immigration has spiraled out of control during President Biden’s tenure. “We have seen over 12 million people enter this country illegally under the current administration,” Cruz said. “This is a direct result of the Biden-Harris policies.”
Meanwhile, Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) highlighted that one of the primary reasons voters backed President-elect Trump was his promise to address illegal immigration and secure U.S. borders. “Americans elected President Trump to take action on illegal immigration and deport those who entered this country illegally under the previous administration,” Tillis said.
As Congress moves forward with discussions surrounding immigration reform, the future of TPS and DACA remains a critical issue, with advocates stressing the need for immediate action to provide legal certainty for immigrants who have long called the U.S. home. Democratic lawmakers continue to push for stronger protections, highlighting the urgency of preserving these vital programs.
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