
In a last-minute move that has drawn sharp criticism, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has granted amnesty to 850,000 illegal immigrants just days before President Joe Biden leaves office. The decision to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for another 18 months has sparked outrage from critics who argue it undermines immigration enforcement and burdens American taxpayers.
The sweeping amnesty covers 234,000 Salvadorans, initially granted protection after a 2001 earthquake, and 600,000 Venezuelan migrants. Mayorkas defended the decision by citing ongoing weather-related disasters in El Salvador and political instability in Venezuela. He claimed severe storms and heavy rainfall in 2023 and 2024 still impact areas recovering from past earthquakes, while Venezuela continues to suffer under Nicolás Maduro’s oppressive regime.
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
“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. The extension automatically renews work permits through March 2026, allowing migrants to remain in the U.S. legally.
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
Conservatives have blasted the decision, accusing Mayorkas of bypassing immigration laws and enabling economic migrants to take American jobs. Critics also argue that the amnesty hinders President-elect Donald Trump’s efforts to enforce stricter immigration policies and deport illegal immigrants.
Revoke the amnesty and arrest Mayorkas.
— Moosefeathers57 (@moosefeath79559) January 12, 2025
Many question the justification for protecting Salvadoran migrants, pointing out that President Nayib Bukele has significantly improved El Salvador’s economy by cracking down on gang violence. Critics argue that using “bad weather” as an excuse for mass amnesty is both weak and irresponsible.
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
The Venezuelan extension has also raised concerns that it benefits the Maduro regime by allowing dissidents to stay in the U.S. instead of pushing for change at home. Additionally, money sent back to Venezuela may inadvertently strengthen Maduro’s hold on power.
Under Mayorkas, the number of migrants receiving TPS has tripled to nearly one million. This surge has added strain to American communities already facing housing shortages and job competition. Business groups have supported the expansion, seeing it as a source of cheap labor.
With Trump preparing to take office, this amnesty presents a significant obstacle to his planned immigration crackdown, forcing his administration to address the legal complexities left behind by Mayorkas and the Biden administration.