WASHINGTON — US Senator Markwayne Mullin has said migrants living in the United States under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) should either pursue permanent residency pathways or return to their home countries, remarks that are likely to intensify debate over America’s immigration policy, according to comments reported by Al Jazeera.
Mullin, a Republican senator, made the remarks amid ongoing political divisions in Washington over the future of humanitarian protection programmes and broader immigration reform.
Temporary Protected Status is a US government designation that allows nationals from countries affected by armed conflict, natural disasters or other extraordinary conditions to remain temporarily in the United States. The programme has been repeatedly extended for certain nationalities over the years, drawing criticism from lawmakers who argue it has become de facto long-term residency without congressional approval.
Supporters of TPS, however, say the programme provides essential protection for migrants who cannot safely return to their countries due to ongoing instability or lack of basic services, and argue that many recipients have built long-term lives in the United States.
Mullin’s comments are expected to fuel renewed political tensions between Republicans and Democrats over immigration enforcement, border policy and legal pathways for migrants already residing in the country.
Immigration has remained one of the most divisive issues in US politics, with debates focusing on deportation policy, asylum rules, and the future of temporary humanitarian protections affecting hundreds of thousands of people.
The Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the senator’s remarks.
Congress is expected to continue discussions on potential reforms to the immigration system, including proposals that could redefine or phase out long-standing TPS designations for certain countries.
Advocacy groups representing migrants have previously warned that ending TPS without permanent alternatives could leave many families in legal uncertainty and risk forced returns to unstable conditions abroad.
Further political reactions are expected in the coming days as the debate intensifies in Washington.
