MIAMI — in a notable move, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced on Friday that approximately 600,000 venezuelans and over 230,000 Salvadorans currently residing in the United States will be allowed to stay for an additional 18 months under Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This decision comes just days before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has historically advocated for stricter immigration policies.
The Biden governance has been a staunch supporter of TPS, a program that has been expanded to protect nearly 1 million individuals. However, the future of TPS remains uncertain under Trump, who previously sought to limit its scope during his first term.While federal regulations permit the early termination of TPS extensions, such a move has never been executed before.
In addition to Venezuelans and Salvadorans, the extension also applies to more than 103,000 Ukrainians and 1,900 Sudanese nationals living in the U.S.For many, this decision is a lifeline, offering stability and the ability to continue working legally in the country.
José Palma,a 48-year-old Salvadoran who has called the U.S. home as 1998, expressed relief at the proclamation.As the sole member of his family with temporary status, Palma’s ability to remain in Houston is crucial.His four children are U.S. citizens, and his wife is a permanent resident. Without TPS,he risks deportation and separation from his loved ones.
“It brings me peace of mind, a breath of fresh air,” Palma said. “It offers me stability.”
Palma,who works as an organizer at a day laborer organization,sends $400 monthly to his 73-year-old mother in El Salvador,who relies on his support as her sole source of income.
TPS provides legal authorization to remain in the U.S. but does not offer a direct pathway to citizenship. recipients depend on periodic renewals, a process that critics argue has become routine, nonetheless of conditions in their home countries.
The extension for Venezuelans coincides with the controversial inauguration of President Nicolás Maduro for a third term,a move widely condemned by the international community. The Department of Homeland Security cited Venezuela’s ongoing humanitarian crisis,driven by political and economic instability under Maduro’s regime,as the basis for the decision.
Similarly, the extension for Salvadorans was attributed to environmental challenges, including heavy rains and storms over the past two years, which have made safe returns untenable.
Established by Congress in 1990, TPS was designed to shield individuals from deportation to countries grappling with natural disasters or civil unrest. It grants work authorization in 18-month increments. Currently, about 1 million immigrants from 17 countries, including Venezuela, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Afghanistan, Sudan, Ukraine, and Lebanon, benefit from the program.
Venezuelans, one of the largest groups under TPS, will see their status extended from April 2025 to October 2026. Salvadorans, who first received TPS in 2001 following devastating earthquakes, were set to lose their status in March but will now remain protected until September 2026.
Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, have hinted at scaling back TPS and other temporary status programs as part of broader efforts to increase deportations. During his first term, Trump attempted to end TPS for El Salvador but faced legal challenges that stalled the move.
Advocates have intensified their efforts in recent months, urging the Biden administration to extend TPS protections for existing beneficiaries and expand coverage to include individuals from countries like Guatemala and Ecuador.
“This extension is just a small victory,” said Felipe arnoldo Díaz, an activist with the National TPS Alliance. “Our biggest concern is that after El Salvador, there are countries whose TPS are expiring soon and are being left out,” such as Nepal, Nicaragua, and Honduras.
For Victor Macedo, a 40-year-old Venezuelan who fled to the U.S. in 2021 after receiving death threats for his political activism, the extension is a profound relief. His TPS was set to expire in April, leaving him anxious about his future.
“It is indeed a very big relief. I was afraid,” said Macedo, who works remodeling houses in davie, Florida. “TPS helps me have legal status,work,and be able to drive.”
Given José Palma’s situation, what specific challenges might Salvadoran TPS recipients face if the program were to end?
Interview with José Palma: A Salvadoran Beneficiary of Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Archyde News: Good afternoon, Mr. Palma. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. As someone who has been directly impacted by the recent extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Salvadorans, could you share your thoughts on this decision by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security?
José Palma: Thank you for having me. This decision is a huge relief for me and my family. I’ve been living in the U.S. since 1998, and TPS has been a lifeline for us. It allows me to work legally,support my family,and stay united with my loved ones. Without it, I would face the risk of deportation, which would be devastating for my wife and children.
Archyde News: You mentioned your family.Could you tell us more about them and how this extension impacts their lives?
José Palma: Absolutely. My wife is a permanent resident, and my four children are U.S.citizens. They were born here, and this is the only home they’ve ever known. I’m the only one in my family with temporary status, so this extension means everything to us.It ensures that I can continue to be here for them—to provide for them,to be present in their lives,and to protect them from the trauma of separation.
Archyde News: That’s incredibly moving.How has TPS shaped your life over the years?
José Palma: TPS has given me stability and the opportunity to build a life here.I work hard every day, and I’m grateful for the chance to contribute to this country. I’ve been able to raise my children,pay my taxes,and be part of my community. It’s not just about me—it’s about the thousands of families like mine who rely on this program to survive and thrive.
Archyde News: The Biden administration has been a strong supporter of TPS, but there’s uncertainty about its future under the incoming Trump administration. How do you feel about that?
José Palma: It’s a source of anxiety for manny of us. We’ve seen how the previous administration tried to limit TPS, and we’re worried about what might happen next. But for now, I’m focusing on the positive—this 18-month extension gives us some breathing room. It’s a reminder that we’re not alone, and that there are people who understand our struggles and are fighting for us.
Archyde News: what would you say to policymakers who are considering the future of TPS?
José Palma: I would ask them to think about the human impact of their decisions. We’re not just numbers or statistics—we’re parents, workers, and neighbors. We’ve built lives here, and we contribute to this country in countless ways. Ending TPS would tear families apart and disrupt communities. I hope they can see the value in keeping families together and allowing us to continue living with dignity.
Archyde News: what does this extension mean for you personally?
José Palma: It means peace of mind. It means I can sleep at night knowing that, for the next 18 months, I won’t have to worry about being separated from my family. It’s a chance to keep working,keep dreaming,and keep fighting for a better future. I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity, and I hope it’s just the beginning of a more permanent solution for all of us.
Archyde News: thank you, Mr. Palma, for sharing your story with us.Your resilience and dedication to your family are truly inspiring. We wish you and your loved ones all the best.
José Palma: thank you. It’s important for people to hear our stories and understand why programs like TPS matter so much. I appreciate the opportunity to speak out.
