Biden Shields Immigrants with 18-Month Deportation Pause

In a significant move, the Biden administration granted deportation protections to hundreds of thousands of immigrants from Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela on Friday. This decision extends their stay in the U. S. with work permits and a shield from deportation for another 18 months after their current protection ends in the spring. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken had recommended these extensions late last year. The Temporary Protected Status program, which has been used for decades by both Democratic and Republican administrations, safeguards citizens from countries undergoing turmoil. President Biden expanded this status in response to conflicts in Ukraine and instability in countries like Venezuela and Haiti. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas emphasized that these designations are a result of thorough reviews and interagency collaboration. They aim to support those affected by disasters and unrest while they contribute to U. S. communities. This action makes it challenging for the incoming President-elect Donald J. Trump to immediately revoke these protections upon taking office.