As President Joe Biden faces increasing pressure from Democratic lawmakers and immigrant advocates, there is a growing call for the administration to take decisive action in protecting immigrant communities ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. With concerns mounting over the potential for mass deportations under the new administration, advocates are pushing for expanded protections, fearing that millions of immigrants could face increased vulnerability once Trump takes office.
The debate surrounding immigration has remained a central issue during Biden’s presidency, and it continues to shape the political landscape as the transition to the new administration approaches. Immigrant rights groups are particularly concerned about the future of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which provides humanitarian relief for individuals from countries facing unsafe conditions, such as war or natural disasters. There is growing demand for Biden to extend these protections, as well as expedite the renewal process for those benefiting from the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which shields young undocumented immigrants from deportation.
“The clock is ticking, and millions of families are living in fear,” said Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), who, along with several of his colleagues, has urged the Biden administration to take action before the new president-elect assumes office. “President Biden has a unique opportunity to secure his legacy by providing long-term security to immigrants who have contributed to the economy and the fabric of this nation.”
Concerns among Democrats center around the upcoming potential rollback of immigration protections that were established under the Biden administration. A letter sent to Biden from several Democratic senators emphasized that mass deportations under Trump’s leadership would not only jeopardize the safety of immigrant families but would also undermine U.S. economic stability.
“Mass deportations would destabilize our communities, sow distrust, and harm millions of mixed-status families,” the letter states. “We urge you to act decisively in the final days of your administration to protect immigrant families and cement your humanitarian legacy.” The signatories include Senators Dick Durbin, Cory Booker, Catherine Cortez Masto, Mazie Hirono, Tammy Duckworth, Ben Ray Luján, and Alex Padilla.
The pressure to act comes at a critical time. Immigrant advocates, along with Democratic lawmakers, are pushing for an extension of TPS for countries like El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Honduras — nations whose citizens are currently protected under this status. For example, the Temporary Protected Status designation for El Salvadorans in the U.S. is set to expire in March 2025, raising fears that those beneficiaries could face deportation if not extended. Meanwhile, the status for Nicaraguans extends through July 2025, but advocates are calling for early redesignation and extension of these protections before Trump takes office.
“The stakes couldn’t be higher. Immigrant communities are living in limbo,” said a senior Democratic aide. “The White House must act now, not only to protect immigrants but also to ensure the legacy of the president’s commitment to humanitarian values.”
Biden’s response has been cautious, with some administration officials expressing concerns about the political fallout of expanding TPS or making significant changes to immigration policy at this late stage. However, behind closed doors, the White House has reportedly been receptive to continued discussions with Democratic lawmakers.
“We’re threading the needle,” said a senior administration official. “We understand the urgency, but we are also carefully considering the political and legal ramifications of any actions we take now.”
Despite this caution, the Biden administration has made several moves in recent months to address immigration issues, including a rule designed to extend the renewal period for work permits and initiatives aimed at reducing border crossings. However, the administration’s decision to impose stricter asylum policies at the U.S.-Mexico border has sparked concern among immigrant advocates, who argue that this regulation should be reconsidered in favor of expanding protections for vulnerable communities.
“This could be the administration’s last chance to make a real difference in the lives of millions of immigrants,” said one source close to the White House. “Failure to act could cost lives and livelihoods.”
As Biden’s term nears its end, the Biden administration is bracing for the incoming Trump administration to undo many of the policies that have been put in place. The fate of these protections, however, remains uncertain, as executive actions by the incoming president could easily roll back Biden’s immigration measures.
“People are on the edge of their seats,” said an immigrant rights advocate. “They have no certainty whatsoever about what the future holds.”
With only a few weeks left before the transition of power, it is clear that immigration policy will remain one of the most contentious issues in U.S. politics. Advocates continue to push for Biden to act decisively, urging the administration to cement protections for immigrants before the clock runs out.
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