As the Trump administration nears, Senate Democrats are pushing President Biden to take decisive action to protect immigrants before the new government begins a potential mass deportation operation. With the window for action quickly closing, many feel that Biden’s administration still has the legal authority to provide long-term protection to immigrants, particularly those under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
Growing Pressure on Biden to Protect Immigrants
In a recent press conference, Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) joined forces with immigration activists to urge President Biden to act. Their message was clear: urgent measures are needed to protect immigrants from being swept up in a mass deportation campaign under the incoming Trump administration.
Senator Cortez Masto emphasized that President Biden had the legal authority to extend protections for immigrants who have long been part of the United States, creating stability and security for communities that rely on this protection. She argued that these communities had already weathered significant uncertainty, and without immediate action, their futures were at risk.
What is TPS and DACA?
Before we dive into the politics, let’s clarify what these programs are and why they matter.
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Temporary Protected Status (TPS): TPS offers protection to individuals from countries facing unsafe conditions, such as war or natural disaster, allowing them to remain in the U.S. legally without the threat of deportation. Under the Biden administration, TPS has been extended to many countries, but Republicans have criticised its use, suggesting it has been abused.
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Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA): DACA was an Obama-era policy that allowed undocumented individuals who were brought to the U.S. as children to stay in the country temporarily, without the threat of deportation. These individuals, often referred to as “Dreamers,” are typically integrated into American society and contribute to the workforce.
Trump’s Deportation Plans and Democrats’ Urgency
With President Trump’s campaign promising to revive mass deportations, the pressure is mounting for Biden to secure protections for immigrants. If Trump succeeds in executing this vision, many fear that large numbers of immigrants could be deported, disrupting families and communities across the nation.
Senator Luján expressed concern about the future of immigrant families, urging Biden to act swiftly: “The incoming administration is going to implement policies that tear families apart. The President can act now to secure their future.”
Trump’s Stance on DACA: A Complicated Path
Interestingly, former President Trump has stated that he is open to working with Democrats on a deal to protect DACA recipients. In recent comments, Trump indicated a willingness to reach a compromise with the Democrats, but he has a history of undermining bipartisan efforts on immigration reform.
“I will work with the Democrats on a plan, and if we can come up with a plan, but the Democrats have made it very, very difficult to do anything,” Trump said. “Republicans are very open to the Dreamers.”
However, this is a tricky issue for many Democrats, who recall how Trump dismissed bipartisan bills to protect Dreamers during his first term. This inconsistency has led some to doubt Trump’s true commitment to the issue, causing Democrats to push harder for Biden to act while they still can.
Why Now? The Clock is Ticking
With only a short period left in Biden’s term before the Trump administration begins its expected deportation operations, Democrats are rallying for swift action. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) led a letter signed by multiple Democratic senators urging the President to take definitive steps before January.
“We write now because the window to secure and finalize your administration’s policies is closing rapidly,” the letter read. “We urge you to act decisively between now and the inauguration of the President-elect to complete the important work of the past four years and protect immigrant families.”
Biden’s window of opportunity is shrinking, and many believe he must act now if he intends to leave a lasting legacy of protection for immigrant communities.
Potential Solutions and Calls for Executive Action
Democrats are urging Biden to make use of his executive authority to extend protections to those covered by TPS and DACA. By doing so, Biden could provide immediate relief to Dreamers and those under TPS, safeguarding their right to remain in the U.S. even in the face of harsh political opposition.
Some possible solutions include:
- Executive orders to extend protections for DACA recipients and TPS holders
- Strengthening immigration policies to ensure long-term stability for immigrant families
- Implementing legislative actions through Congress to provide a permanent path to citizenship for Dreamers
The Legal Authority to Act
One of the strongest arguments from Senate Democrats is that Biden has the legal authority to act unilaterally. Even though some Republican lawmakers argue that Biden’s administration has overstepped with policies like TPS, the reality is that the legal frameworks are in place. As Cortez Masto pointed out, the President has legal authority to secure protections for long-term immigrant communities.
Given the urgency of the situation, Biden’s team must weigh the political fallout of taking action against the potential human cost of inaction. As Senator Padilla said, Biden has a historic opportunity to strengthen the nation’s economy by providing protections to immigrants who contribute daily to American life.
Conclusion: Act Now, Secure the Future
The clock is ticking, and the stakes could not be higher for the future of immigrant families in the U.S. Senate Democrats are making their voices heard, urging President Biden to use his executive powers to act swiftly.
With the incoming Trump administration’s promises of mass deportation campaigns, Democrats are pushing hard to ensure protections for DACA and TPS recipients are extended before the window closes. Biden has the opportunity to cement his legacy by taking action now, protecting immigrant families, and giving them a sense of security in an uncertain future. If he fails to act, however, the consequences could be far-reaching.
Relevant links for further reading:
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
- Immigration Reform in the United States
- Trump’s Deportation Plan
- Biden Administration’s Immigration Policies
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