Congress is usually quiet during an election year. That’s why this news is shocking.
As the U.S. Senate just ordered Joe Biden to do the unthinkable.
Typically U.S. Senators will try to lay low during an election year, particularly if a Senator is trying to win a tightly contested race. Even congress-members who aren’t up for re-election will try to lay low to help out their fellow Party colleagues. It’s a sad reality that Washington, D.C. simply doesn’t do much in a big presidential election year.
U.S. Senate Democrats are bucking that trend and potentially to their own peril. They’re directing Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to make a move for immigration that many Americans are going to be confused about.
Senate Democrats Urge Biden Administration to Grant Protected Status to Lebanese Nationals Amid Intensifying Conflict
As tensions escalate in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, top Senate Democrats have once again called on the Biden-Harris administration to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Lebanese nationals living in the United States. This plea comes as part of a broader response to the humanitarian crisis emerging from the region’s increasing instability.
A group of Democratic committee chairmen co-signed a letter directed to President Joe Biden, urging him to approve TPS and expedite the implementation of Deferred Enforcement Departure (DED) for Lebanese citizens. This initiative aims to protect those who currently reside in the U.S. from being forced to return to a conflict-ridden environment.
The letter highlights the urgent need for action, stating, “On June 5, 2024, we sent the attached letter requesting your administration designate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Lebanon in response to the regional conflict-driven crisis and growing domestic food insecurity, economic collapse, and a stalled Presidential selection process.” It goes on to note that since their initial request, the situation has deteriorated further, with the armed conflict between Hezbollah and Israel resulting in civilian casualties and exacerbating the humanitarian emergency.
The letter urges, “Given these worsening country conditions and the potential for continued crisis, we respectfully reiterate our request for your administration to designate TPS for Lebanon to protect Lebanese nationals currently in the United States.” Additionally, the lawmakers implore the administration to swiftly issue guidance for DED and advance its authorization date to shield recently arrived Lebanese nationals.
Co-signers of the letter include prominent figures such as Maryland Senator Ben Cardin, chair of the Foreign Relations Committee; Michigan Senator Gary Peters, chair of the Homeland Security Committee; and Illinois Senator Dick Durbin, chair of the Judiciary Committee.
Since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, 2023, Israel and Hamas have been engaged in a fierce conflict. The situation has escalated further with Hezbollah, based in Lebanon, increasing its attacks on Israel, prompting a response from Israeli forces, including ground operations in Lebanon.
Under U.S. law, TPS may be designated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for countries experiencing significant conflict or humanitarian crises, thereby preventing their citizens in the U.S. from returning safely. Currently, there are 16 countries with active TPS designations, encompassing approximately 860,000 non-citizens living in the U.S. under this status, according to the American Immigration Council.
However, TPS has faced criticism for its seemingly indefinite nature, as several countries have had their designations renewed multiple times over the years.
BREAKING: A trio of Senate committee chairs urges President Biden to designate Lebanon for Temporary Protected Status. pic.twitter.com/DM353RLmA6
— Senate Judiciary Committee (@JudiciaryDems) October 15, 2024
In June, a coalition of 69 House and Senate Democrats called for pathways for Gaza refugees to enter the U.S. Although White House officials were reportedly considering this option, immigration experts have raised national security concerns, citing potential ties between Gaza residents and Hamas, a designated terrorist organization.
Polls conducted in Lebanon indicate a significant portion of the population holds extremist views, with around 80% expressing support for the October 7 attacks, according to a survey by a Lebanese newspaper shortly after the events. Further research by the Washington Institute found that 79% of Lebanese citizens view Hamas positively, raising alarms over the implications of resettling individuals from the region.
Immigration Top Concern For Americans This Election Season
Surveys show that the majority of Americans find immigration levels to be far too high. In fact, the portion of Americans who find immigration levels to be too high is at its highest point in decades. Higher than in 2016 and far higher than in 2020.
Democrats choosing to signal that they want more immigration when even Democrat voters are struggling to justify more immigration is a potentially dangerous choice when that issue is a tough topic for Democrat candidates to discuss.
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.
