
In a last-minute decision, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has quietly granted amnesty to 850,000 illegal immigrants, sparking outrage over what critics are calling a deliberate and underhanded move by the Biden administration. With just days left before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, this sweeping action is seen as an effort to undermine future immigration enforcement.
Mayorkas extended the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for 18 months, shielding 234,000 Salvadorans and 600,000 Venezuelans from deportation. He cited “bad weather” in El Salvador and political turmoil in Venezuela as reasons for the amnesty. This decision also extends work permits for these migrants through March 2026.
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 claimed. However, many argue that El Salvador has stabilized under President Nayib Bukele, making this justification appear weak and politically motivated.
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
Critics believe this move was intentionally timed to sabotage President-elect Trump’s promised crackdown on illegal immigration. Trump’s plans to secure the border and deport illegal immigrants will now face significant obstacles due to Mayorkas’ mass amnesty order. This appears to be a calculated effort to entrench Biden’s open-border policies beyond his presidency.
Revoke the amnesty and arrest Mayorkas.
— Moosefeathers57 (@moosefeath79559) January 12, 2025
The amnesty for Venezuelans is also raising alarms. By allowing Venezuelan migrants to remain in the U.S., critics argue the Biden administration is indirectly aiding Nicolás Maduro’s socialist regime. With political opposition silenced abroad and U.S. dollars flowing back into Venezuela, Maduro’s grip on power remains intact.
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
Since taking office, Mayorkas has overseen a dramatic expansion of the TPS program, ballooning to nearly one million recipients. This influx has overwhelmed American communities, straining resources like housing, healthcare and jobs. While corporations celebrate a larger labor force, ordinary Americans are left to shoulder the burden.
Trump’s incoming administration now faces the difficult task of reversing this politically motivated amnesty while tackling the ongoing border crisis and protecting American sovereignty.