House Report Unveils Surging Immigration Program Under Biden Administration

FIRST ON FOX: A recent House report reveals a significant increase in the number of immigrants shielded from deportation through a contentious immigration program. This increase occurred during the Biden administration, with the program’s usage nearly quadrupling.

The House Judiciary Committee’s report focuses on the Temporary Protected Status, a program that originated in the 1990s. This initiative provides protection from deportation and grants work permits to individuals from countries considered unsafe due to armed conflicts or natural disasters. The just-released report sheds light on how this program was handled during different administrations.

Expansions and Limitations of Temporary Protected Status

Under the Trump administration, efforts were made to restrict the number of migrants benefiting from Temporary Protected Status. However, a dramatic expansion took place under the Biden administration. By January, more than 1.4 million individuals from 16 different countries had been granted protection through this program.

The report indicates that the Biden-Harris administration added approximately one million individuals in just four years. In contrast, the end of the Trump administration saw only about 410,000 beneficiaries of Temporary Protected Status.

According to the report, the program, initially intended as a temporary solution, has evolved into a permanent status for many. It points out that some countries have had this designation for decades despite changes in their conditions. The Biden-Harris administration significantly broadened this de facto amnesty, allowing hundreds of thousands of individuals into the country, many of whom are undocumented.

Who Benefits from the Expansion?

Roughly 725,000 individuals with Temporary Protected Status entered the U.S. during the Biden administration, predominantly from Haiti and Venezuela. Notably, prior to designations made in 2021 and 2023, there were no Venezuelan beneficiaries during this administration. By January 2025, an astonishing 614,044 Venezuelan individuals were under Temporary Protected Status, representing nearly half of the total beneficiaries.

The findings reveal that a staggering 95% of Venezuelan beneficiaries entered the U.S. without a visa. This situation implies they either entered illegally or arrived through humanitarian parole. In parallel, the report noted that the number of Haitian beneficiaries surged from 55,000 in January 2021 to 342,260 in January 2025, with 91% of these individuals also entering without a visa.

Prior Administrations Not Exempt from Critique

While the report expresses criticism towards the Biden administration, it also highlights that previous administrations have similarly exploited Temporary Protected Status over the years. This acknowledgement underscores the complex history surrounding immigration policies and practices in the United States.

However, the report raises concerns about the potential for fraud associated with the recent expansion of Temporary Protected Status. It suggests that the Biden administration may have rushed to protect individuals in a bid to counteract the Trump administration’s stricter policies. Instances were found where individuals claimed different nationalities to qualify under various special programs, including a notable case involving 99 Afghan nationals who were later granted TPS as Haitians.

Recent Policy Changes

Since the Trump administration took office, significant transformations in Temporary Protected Status policies have already occurred. Just last month, the current administration overturned the Biden administration’s decision to extend TPS for Haitian nationals.

In a statement, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the need to revert Temporary Protected Status to its intended temporary nature. Her comments reveal a shift towards stricter immigration controls and away from expansive protective measures.

Restoring Integrity to the Program

This recent decision came on the heels of another move that revoked TPS status for over 300,000 Venezuelan nationals. The House Judiciary Committee’s report insists that further action is necessary, calling Secretary Noem’s moves a critical first step towards restoring integrity to the Temporary Protected Status program.

The report stresses the need for comprehensive efforts to eradicate fraud, terminate TPS designations that no longer serve the American people’s interest, and implement necessary reforms. It underlines that Congress plays a pivotal role in ensuring that future administrations cannot exploit these programs.

In summary, the growing complexity of Temporary Protected Status and its implications for immigration policy continues to evolve. As the report highlights, there are significant concerns regarding its management and implementation, ultimately calling for effective reforms to safeguard American interests while addressing humanitarian needs.