Title: Biden Administration’s Expanded Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans Raises Concerns About Increased Migration
Subtitle: Critics argue that the recent move could incentivize more illegal border crossings
MEXICO CITY (AP) — U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas recently announced temporary legal status for approximately 472,000 Venezuelans who arrived in the country as of July 31, expanding the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program. While the move aims to provide much-needed relief for Venezuelans facing a dire political, social, and economic crisis, critics argue that it may incentivize more illegal migration to the United States.
TPS, a 1990 law, grants eligibility for work permits to individuals whose home countries are deemed unsafe due to natural disasters or civil strife. The Biden administration’s expansion of TPS reflects its commitment to offer protection and support to those facing humanitarian crises in their home countries, including Venezuela.
However, opponents of the expanded TPS worry that the broad reach of Mayorkas’s announcement may encourage more Venezuelans to attempt to enter the U.S., doubting the effectiveness of penalties for illegal crossings. Former Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf expressed concern that the move could act as a benefit for smugglers, who may exploit the news to attract more migrants.
Nonetheless, many Venezuelans remain determined to migrate to the United States, driven by the dire conditions in their home country. Economic hardships, lack of access to education and healthcare, and a scarcity of opportunities have forced millions of Venezuelans into poverty. Teachers, professors, and public employees often rely on side jobs or financial support from relatives abroad to make ends meet.
The recent announcement granting TPS to 472,000 Venezuelans builds upon the existing protections extended to more than 242,000 individuals in 2021 and 2022. Secretary Mayorkas stressed that Venezuelans who arrived after July 31, 2023, would not be eligible for such protection and would be subject to removal.
The Biden administration’s decision to expand TPS for Venezuelans reflects the administration’s efforts to address the ongoing migration influx. Democratic mayors and governors, including those from New York City, have been pressuring the White House for more support in handling the arrival of asylum-seekers. New York City reports that approximately 40% of the 60,000 asylum-seekers it houses are from Venezuela, and 15,000 are now eligible for TPS.
Figures from U.S. Customs and Border Protection indicate that more Venezuelans were encountered at the border this month than citizens of any other country except Mexico. The number of Venezuelans stopped increased by 63% during the first 17 days of September. While some were admitted for scheduled asylum appointments, the majority entered the U.S. illegally.
The impact of the TPS expansion on migration flows is uncertain. The United Nations’ International Organization for Migration in Mexico stated that past experiences suggest that measures like TPS expansions can motivate people to undertake the perilous journey. Smugglers often exploit these developments, using them as a selling point to potential migrants.
While some Venezuelans believe that the recent TPS expansion will provide them with much-needed relief, others argue that conditions back home are so dire that many will attempt to reach the U.S., regardless of their legal status upon arrival.
Overall, the Biden administration’s expanded TPS for Venezuelans reflects its commitment to humanitarian support. However, concerns remain about the potential consequences, with critics cautioning against incentivizing illegal border crossings and urging comprehensive changes to the U.S. immigration system.
Note: This article was based on content provided by the Associated Press, with additional reporting from various AP writers.