
In a secretive and controversial move, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has granted amnesty to 850,000 illegal immigrants just days before President Joe Biden leaves office. This sweeping decision has been labeled a calculated attempt to undermine President-elect Donald Trump’s forthcoming immigration crackdown.
The decision, executed through an 18-month extension of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program, shields 234,000 Salvadorans and 600,000 Venezuelans from deportation. Mayorkas cited “severe weather” in El Salvador and political unrest in Venezuela as the reasons for the extension, which also automatically renews work permits through March 2026.
“El Salvador’s extension of TPS is based on geological and weather events, including significant storms and heavy rainfall in 2023 and 2024,” Mayorkas stated. However, critics argue that El Salvador has stabilized under President Nayib Bukele, who has significantly improved the nation’s economy and security, making this justification weak and politically motivated.
Is this even legal? How can a cabinet Secretary have this kind of power? –>> Mayorkas Grants Amnesty to 850,000 Illegals, Blames 'Bad Weather' as Reason https://t.co/pT47hcn3mo
— ChickenStillKickin (@Kicking_chicken) January 12, 2025
Mayorkas grants amnesty to 850,000 illegals. This maniac blamed Bad Weather as the reason for not sending the illegals back to their own countries. Since Biden is leaving in a few days, why is Mayorkas doing it now! This is treason, he has put all our lives in danger already. 😡
— Domenica D'Elia (@domenicadelia22) January 12, 2025
Many believe this move was deliberately timed to make it harder for President-elect Trump to deliver on his promise to secure the border and deport illegal immigrants. This sweeping amnesty could complicate Trump’s efforts to reverse Biden-era immigration policies and enforce the rule of law.
Revoke the amnesty and arrest Mayorkas.
— Moosefeathers57 (@moosefeath79559) January 12, 2025
The amnesty granted to Venezuelans is also raising concerns. By allowing thousands of Venezuelans to stay in the U.S., critics argue the Biden administration is indirectly supporting Nicolás Maduro’s socialist regime by keeping political opposition abroad and enabling financial support to flow back into Venezuela.
MORE importantly I believe Mayorkas is BREAKING FEDERAL IMMIGRATION LAWS.
Its time for Congress and @realDonaldTrump to say that on Day 1 ALL THESE AMNESTY'S PARDONS ETC WILL BE DECLARE NULL AND VOID@SpeakerJohnson @LeaderJohnThune must HAVE READY A LAW that Trump can sign. pic.twitter.com/d0PMv5GiHx
— apppro😎 (@apppro1) January 12, 2025
Under Mayorkas, the TPS program has ballooned to nearly one million recipients, tripling in size. This surge has overwhelmed American communities, placing significant strain on housing, healthcare and employment opportunities. While corporations benefit from a larger labor force, many Americans feel sidelined.
President-elect Trump now faces the challenge of dismantling this expansive amnesty program and restoring strong immigration enforcement policies. The Biden administration’s quiet maneuver has only intensified the uphill battle to secure America’s borders and prioritize the interests of American citizens.