
In a move critics are calling a deliberate betrayal of American sovereignty, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has quietly granted amnesty to 850,000 illegal immigrants. Just days before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, this last-minute decision by the Biden administration is being slammed as a calculated effort to sabotage future immigration enforcement.
Mayorkas expanded the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for 18 months, protecting 234,000 Salvadorans and 600,000 Venezuelans from deportation. He blamed “severe weather” in El Salvador and political instability in Venezuela for the decision, automatically extending work permits 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 stated. However, critics argue this justification is flimsy, noting that El Salvador’s economy has strengthened under President Nayib Bukele due to his crackdown on gang violence.
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 intentionally designed to tie President-elect Trump’s hands. Trump’s tough stance on illegal immigration and mass deportation plans are now facing a significant obstacle created by Biden’s outgoing administration. Critics argue this is a deliberate scheme to lock in pro-migration policies before Trump can reverse them.
Revoke the amnesty and arrest Mayorkas.
— Moosefeathers57 (@moosefeath79559) January 12, 2025
The extension of TPS for Venezuelans is also under scrutiny. By allowing migrants to remain in the U.S., the Biden administration is accused of helping Nicolás Maduro’s oppressive regime by preventing political opponents from organizing against him and enabling remittances that indirectly strengthen his control.
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 Mayorkas took office, the TPS program has tripled, swelling to nearly one million recipients. This explosion of migrants has further strained American housing, healthcare and job markets. While corporations celebrate a growing workforce, many citizens feel abandoned by their own government.
President-elect Trump now faces the difficult task of dismantling this politically motivated amnesty and restoring secure borders and immigration enforcement in the face of deliberate obstruction.