A group of 26 Senate Democrats has urged the Biden administration to broaden deportation protections for individuals from Venezuela and Nicaragua by redesignating these nations for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Led by Senators Menendez, Durbin, Schumer, and Gillibrand, the group sent a letter to DHS Secretary Mayorkas and Secretary of State Blinken advocating for this action, citing the ongoing humanitarian crises in both countries.

TPS offers protection from deportation to eligible nationals of designated countries residing in the U.S., along with work permits and travel freedom. The program is applicable in cases of ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or extraordinary temporary conditions. Currently, 16 countries have TPS designations, many established or extended under the Biden administration. This expansion of TPS has drawn criticism, with some labeling it "amnesty lite."

The senators argue that the political turmoil and human rights violations in Venezuela, coupled with President Ortega's repressive regime in Nicaragua, warrant TPS designation for their nationals currently in the U.S. They emphasize that TPS provides safety, security, and legal work opportunities, allowing these individuals to support themselves, their families, and contribute to their home countries' stability.

While the DHS has stated it will respond through official channels, the Biden administration's recent actions regarding TPS include reversing Trump-era terminations for several countries, protecting approximately 330,000 immigrants. Senator Menendez, while acknowledging this move, has called for more aggressive use of TPS authority and expressed concern that political considerations might have influenced the administration's decisions.

Beyond TPS, the Biden administration has implemented parole programs to expand legal asylum pathways, increased refugee admissions, and established a program allowing up to 30,000 migrants per month from Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Haiti to enter the U.S. by air.