Mayors of dozens of cities across the country ask Biden to protect millions of illegal immigrants

Thirty mayors of different cities from all over the United States sent a letter to the administration of US President Joe Biden with a request to replenish the list of countries whose citizens can receive temporary protected status (TPS) in the United States, while leaving those countries that already exist there. These countries include: Afghanistan, Bahamas, Cameroon, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Guinea, Honduras, Lebanon, Mauritania, Nepal, Nicaragua, Sierra Leone, South Sudan and Sudan. This is stated in the press release Cities for Action.

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The letter explains how adding to the list can provide protection against deportation of immigrants from these countries, and will also provide work permits for the approximately 2 million immigrants currently living in the United States.

The letter emphasizes that the TPS is a valuable tool that will protect many longtime community members from returning to hazardous conditions and offer them critical work permits in the United States, and will also help promote racial justice in local communities.

The Biden administration is considering listing various countries, including those removed from there by President Donald Trump. Local government leaders are urging the administration to act quickly, providing critical protection to the millions of immigrants living in their communities. The letter highlights how such protection is consistent with the administration's vision of a fair, functional and humane immigration system.

“As we strive to build a just recovery for our city, we must remember that many of our immigrant neighbors do not have stable immigration status. Providing TPS for 15 additional countries will provide peace of mind to these New Yorkers and their families. We urge President Biden to provide this measure of stability for those who have sought refuge in New York and other cities across the country,” New York Mayor Bill de Blasio wrote.

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“TPS provides vital humanitarian assistance that was most recently needed for situations in Afghanistan and Haiti, and Boston is proud to lead this effort alongside Cities for Action and mayors from across the country. TPS status will keep families together and provide work opportunities, which means increased economic stability and contribution to the development of all cities. This is critical to Boston's COVID-19 recovery efforts, and I urge the Biden Administration to take immediate action on TPS,” wrote Boston, Massachusetts Mayor Kim Janey.

This idea was also supported by the mayors of Framingham (Massachusetts) Yvonne Spicer, College Park (Maryland) Patrick Vojan, Mount Rainier (Washington) Selina Benitez, Somerset (Maryland) Jeffrey Slavin and others.

“Minneapolis has a proud history of welcoming immigrants and refugees, whose rich cultural traditions contribute to the vitality of our city. We must do everything in our power to ensure that as we continue to welcome refugees, they are provided with the dignity, legal protections and support that all residents should expect,” wrote Minneapolis (MN) Mayor Jacob Frey .

“Philadelphia is home to many longtime residents from these 15 countries affected by war, trauma, civil unrest and climate disasters. Our country will be a great success if we can provide protection from deportation and work permits for our residents so we can keep families together and they can provide for themselves and their families,” said Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Mayor Jim Kenney.

What is Temporary Protected Status

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a time-limited status granted to eligible citizens of designated countries who are in the United States because circumstances in their home country have made it unsafe for them to return there, writes Forbes.

The status is granted to citizens of countries affected by an armed conflict, natural disaster or other emergencies. This allows eligible persons to temporarily live and work in the United States. TPS status can be valid for six to 18 months and can be renewed for many years. By law, at least 60 days before the expiration of the TPS status, the Department of Homeland Security must announce whether the immigrant will be renewed for the TPS status.

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Right to participate

To be eligible for TPS, candidates must meet the following requirements:

1. Be a citizen of the country designated for the TPS or stateless person who last resided permanently in the designated country.
2. Register during the open registration or re-registration period for the applicant's country of citizenship, or meet the requirements for late initial filing during any renewal of the TPS status.
3. Be permanently physically present in the United States from a specified period. Although the law allows an exception for short-term departures from the United States.

Who cannot apply

Applicants cannot register for TPS if they:

• have been convicted of any felony or two or more misdemeanors committed in the United States;
• found inadmissible under immigration law, including for non-revocable criminal or security reasons;
• falls within the scope of any of the mandatory asylum prohibitions. These include participating in the pursuit of another person or participating in or abetting terrorist activities;
• do not meet the requirements for permanent physical presence and permanent residence.

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