New York City Mayor Eric Adams has expressed gratitude to President Biden for fast-tracking work authorization and deportation protection for around 470,000 Venezuelan migrants. This move suggests a possible thawing of their relationship after the two Democrats seemingly snubbed each other during Biden’s recent visit to New York City.
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas announced the extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans for 18 months due to the extraordinary and temporary conditions in Venezuela that prevent safe returns. Mayor Adams, who had previously voiced concerns about the migrant crisis affecting New York City, thanked President Biden for taking this important step to provide hope for Venezuelan asylum seekers.
Adams’ praise of Biden comes after he criticized the Biden administration’s handling of the migrant crisis and the impact it was having on New York City. The mayor’s administration had faced challenges in accommodating and relocating migrants. During Biden’s recent visit to New York City, he did not meet with Mayor Adams, highlighting the strained relationship between the two leaders.
The move to grant TPS to Venezuelan migrants is seen as a positive step in addressing the humanitarian aspect of the migration issue and providing protection to those in need.