WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) have called on President Joe Biden to take immediate action to protect long-term immigrant communities before the end of his term.
In a joint statement, the Senators urged the Biden-Harris Administration to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to nationals from Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Ecuador, as well as to speed up the processing of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) renewals. The lawmakers emphasized that these measures would help protect immigrants from being sent back to unsafe conditions.
The Senators also called for the extension of DACA recipients’ status for the longest possible duration, a faster processing of Advance Parole requests, and easier pathways for employers to sponsor DACA recipients for H-1B visas.
“We urge you to act decisively during the remainder of your term to complete crucial work that will protect immigrant communities and keep families safe from returning to countries where they face danger,” the Senators wrote in a letter to President Biden.
They highlighted the worsening conditions in Ecuador, Nicaragua, and El Salvador, where violence, human rights violations, and political instability make it impossible for nationals to return safely. The Senators argued that granting TPS to individuals from these countries would allow them to continue contributing to U.S. society while remaining safe.
Senator Padilla, a prominent advocate for immigration reform, has been at the forefront of efforts to protect immigrant communities. He recently marked the 12th anniversary of DACA, joining advocates and lawmakers in calling for a permanent solution for Dreamers and DACA recipients. Padilla’s proposed bill, the Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929, aims to provide a pathway to permanent residency for millions, including Dreamers, TPS holders, and essential workers.
Earlier this year, Padilla celebrated President Biden’s executive action to ease employment restrictions for certain DACA recipients. He also introduced the Citizenship for Essential Workers Act, which seeks to create a pathway to citizenship for undocumented essential workers, including Dreamers.
The Senators’ full letter, urging President Biden to take swift action, is available for review.
Key Requests to the Biden Administration:
Designate TPS for Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Ecuador: Due to severe crises in these countries, nationals cannot safely return. TPS would allow them to remain in the U.S. and continue their contributions.
Expedite DACA Renewals: The Senators called for quicker processing times for DACA renewals and Advance Parole requests, as well as extending DACA recipients’ status for the maximum duration.
Simplify H-1B Sponsorship for DACA Recipients: To help DACA holders gain legal status, the Senators urged clearer regulations for cap-exempt status under the H-1B visa program.
The Senators emphasized the urgency of these actions in ensuring the safety and continued contributions of immigrant communities across the United States.
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