Unlocking the True Potential: Revolutionizing Immigration with Compassion and Intelligence

Note: Ben Helms, David Leblang, and Tom Jawetz, all esteemed professionals in their respective fields, share their views on a pressing issue. With a humanitarian crisis causing an exodus of over 7 million individuals from Venezuela, many have sought refuge in South and Central America, while others have come to the US. Unfortunately, those who have arrived in the US are often facing dire situations.

Without the necessary authorization to work, numerous individuals have faced the unfortunate circumstance of being unable to meet their fundamental needs, such as food, shelter, and clothing. As a result, many have been forced to reside on the streets of American cities, a distressing situation for individuals who have already experienced violence and uncertainty prior to their arrival.

From left to right, Ben Helms, David Leblang, Tom Jawetz

Author photos

The Biden Administration took a step towards addressing this issue by recently announcing the redesignation of Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). This new designation allows nearly half a million Venezuelans, who entered the US before July 31, 2023, to apply for legal work and stay in the country for 18 months. Despite concerns raised by some about this providing an incentive for more migrants to come, the evidence suggests otherwise. Previous TPS designations have not resulted in increased unauthorized migration. In fact, our research indicates that TPS actually reduces the factors that drive such migration.

There are concerns about the legality and appropriateness of Biden's action, and for valid reasons. According to Congress, the Secretary of Homeland Security has the authority to designate a country for TPS if individuals cannot safely return due to ongoing armed conflict, natural disaster, or other temporary and extraordinary conditions. The situation in Venezuela, which includes economic, political, and humanitarian crisis, clearly meets these criteria.

In March 2021, the Biden administration initially designated Venezuela for TPS, providing protection from deportation and work authorization to approximately 250,000 individuals. Now, the decision has been made to continue and extend this protection to Venezuela by redesignating it for TPS at present.

Months prior, on the final day of his presidency, Donald Trump utilized his power to grant similar safeguards to Venezuelan nationals residing in the US as President Joe Biden cited.

If the Biden administration efficiently processes and evaluates applications, promptly delivering work permits to eligible individuals, this redesignation will significantly impact the lives of many.

On May 10, 2023, in Matamoros, state of Tamaulipas, Mexico, migrants can be seen attempting to reach the US through the Rio Grande. The US-Mexico border cities are anticipating a surge of migrants as the Biden administration officially terminates the use of Title 42. Starting from May 11, President Joe Biden's administration plans to lift Title 42, a stringent protocol implemented by former president Donald Trump to deny entry to migrants and expel asylum seekers due to the Covid pandemic emergency. (Photo by ALFREDO ESTRELLA / AFP) (Photo by ALFREDO ESTRELLA/AFP via Getty Images)

Alfredo Estrella/AFP/Getty Images

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Addressing the concerns of state and local officials across the country, the TPS redesignation aims to provide immediate support to recently arrived Venezuelan migrants. Unlike established immigrant communities, these migrants often lack strong social or family connections, making it difficult for them to find work and meet their basic needs. Consequently, government agencies and non-governmental providers have had to stretch their resources to assist with housing, food, and other necessities, putting a strain on local and state budgets.

To alleviate this situation, many governments have taken steps to help. For instance, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul recently unveiled a plan to identify 18,000 job openings with employers willing to hire migrants and asylum seekers who have attained legal work status in the US, including those from Venezuela who have received TPS.

With work authorization, these workers can significantly boost the economy both by earning more and addressing critical labor shortages. Additionally, TPS will further strengthen the US economy by allowing a new group of TPS holders, who are authorized to work, to join the already existing hundreds of thousands of TPS holders from other countries. These individuals are already making significant contributions to the economy by paying billions of dollars in federal, state, and local taxes each year, and holding spending power of over $10 billion.

When migrants are able to obtain work authorization, they gain access to the formal labor market, which opens doors to better jobs with higher wages and improved working conditions. This enables them to better support their friends and family back home.

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Asylum-seekers who have crossed the Rio Grande river from Mexico into the United States in Eagle Pass, Texas, are seen sitting near a concertina wire fence, waiting to be transported by U.S. law enforcement officers. This photograph was taken on July 24, 2023, by REUTERS/Go Nakamura.

Go Nakamura/Reuters

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Research conducted by two of the three authors of this piece reveals that countries designated with TPS receive significantly higher annual remittances per person compared to non-TPS countries facing similar conditions. When analyzing the data year by year, a consistent increase in remittances per capita is observed. It is important to note that these findings may underestimate the actual amount of remittance flows, as not all transactions are recorded in official data.

The impact of remittances on communities abroad cannot be overstated. Since remittances are transferred directly from individuals to their relatives, bypassing government institutions and programs, the funds can be readily utilized for immediate and essential needs.

Communities that receive higher levels of remittances experience improved access to schools, healthcare, and infrastructure, based on existing research. Consequently, residents in these remittance-receiving communities express higher satisfaction with public services and the local economic situation. Remittances also enable individuals to purchase essentials and support agricultural communities in building resilience, particularly when faced with natural disasters and climate-related challenges.

In conclusion, research indicates that policies such as TPS designations and work authorization that contribute to an increase in remittances offer the potential to reduce future migration from countries like Venezuela. The receipt of remittances diminishes the inclination to migrate, leading to a decline in apprehensions at the southern border of the US.

Other studies have also investigated migration patterns following previous TPS designations, including designations for countries in the Western Hemisphere like El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Haiti. These studies have discovered no evidence indicating that such designations have caused a rise in irregular migration. Don't miss out on our free weekly newsletter!

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The benefits of TPS-like status can also apply to Venezuelans who have already relocated to other countries like Colombia, where millions of Venezuelans currently reside. Remittances sent from the US to Venezuelans living in Colombia, as well as countries like Ecuador and Peru, can potentially help alleviate financial difficulties and decrease the likelihood of further migration. This challenges the belief held by critics that TPS designations attract more irregular migration. Contrarily, there is ample evidence that such designations actually expand access to formal employment opportunities, enabling individuals to support themselves, their families, and send more remittances back home, ultimately reducing the urge for future irregular migration.

TPS is not a cure-all solution, as the massive displacement in the Western Hemisphere stems from failed states, economic collapses, increasing authoritarianism, environmental disasters exacerbated by climate change, and other global factors.

To enhance prosperity and minimize forced migration, the US should collaborate with its allies in the region to tackle these major issues. However, by granting temporary protection to specific individuals already present and allowing them to work, TPS represents a wise and compassionate approach to improving the lives of individuals both within and beyond our borders.