President Biden is facing mounting pressure from Senate Democrats to take action before the upcoming Trump administration to safeguard some undocumented immigrants from deportation. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), and Alex Padilla (D-CA) recently held a press conference with immigration advocates, urging Biden to extend protections for individuals currently under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

TPS offers work permits and protection from deportation to foreign nationals residing in the U.S. whose home countries are deemed unsafe. DACA, established by executive order in 2012 under the Obama administration, allows certain undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children to remain and avoid deportation.

The incoming Trump administration is anticipated to let TPS expire for numerous countries, mirroring efforts during Trump's first term. Republicans have criticized the Biden administration's use of TPS, claiming it has been misused. A bill introduced by Senator-elect Jim Banks aims to restrict TPS designations by mandating Congressional approval for 12-month terms with further Congressional action needed for extensions. Despite this, Trump has indicated a willingness to negotiate with Democrats on a deal to allow DACA recipients to stay in the U.S.

While Trump has expressed openness to a DACA deal, his campaign centered on promises of mass deportations. This has Democrats concerned and pushing Biden to act preemptively. Senator Cortez Masto emphasized the president's authority to provide certainty for these long-term immigrant communities and urged him to use it.

Senator Cortez Masto also expressed skepticism about Trump's commitment to protecting DACA recipients, citing his past actions. Senators Padilla and Durbin echoed the call for Biden to act, emphasizing the potential economic and humanitarian benefits. A letter led by Senator Durbin highlighted concerns about the incoming administration's potential impact on immigrant communities.

Currently, there's no indication of Biden planning any action on DACA. TPS extensions and redesignations are typically announced by the Department of Homeland Security. The White House hasn't responded to requests for comment. The Trump administration's previous attempts to end DACA were blocked by the Supreme Court, and the issue's legality is still under review in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. In 2019, Trump offered a three-year DACA protection extension in exchange for border wall funding, a proposal rejected by Democrats.