On Wednesday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed it would roll out a new program for Venezuelan migrants seeking to enter the US and return those who illegally cross the border to Mexico under a Trump-era pandemic rule.
The humanitarian parole program is available to 24k Venezuelans who must have a US sponsor to support them for up to two years and meet certain health requirements.
In a shoddy attempt to win political points ahead of the upcoming midterms, Pres. Biden has decided to implement a colossal giveaway to Venezuelans at the expense of Americans. The plan includes many holes — such as overreliance on Mexico's cooperation — and will give corporations access to cheap immigrant labor, hurting American workers already dealing with a tight economy.
This plan continues Biden’s humanitarian approach to immigration, especially toward Venezuelans, whom he previously gave Temporary Protect Status (TPS) starting in March 2021. These people are fleeing a dangerous, unstable country, and the US can afford to take them in. Although this plan would be better if it did more to accept migrants without sponsors, it’s a step in the right direction.