Trump Proposes Changes to Temporary Protected Status

Maribel Hidalgo, a Venezuelan immigrant, reflects on her perilous journey to the U.S. with her son after fleeing political violence and economic turmoil. She was granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under the Biden administration, which allows individuals from unsafe countries to live and work legally in the U.S. However, President-elect Donald Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, have pledged to scale back TPS, threatening the status of over one million immigrants from 17 countries, including Venezuela, Haiti, and El Salvador. Trump has made unfounded claims about TPS holders contributing to crime, igniting fears among beneficiaries like Hidalgo about possible deportation. The situation is further complicated by Haiti's ongoing gang violence, which raises concerns about the country’s capacity to reintegrate returning individuals. As Hidalgo expresses her fears of being sent back, the fate of many immigrants hangs in the balance with the incoming administration's proposed changes.