Representative Andrew Clyde (R-GA09) recently introduced legislation targeting Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for migrants and refugees, closing a widely abused amnesty loophole.
The bill is known as the Territorial Protection and Sovereignty (TPS) Act, and its primary purpose is to repeal TPS authority.
Rep. Clyde lambasted the state of TPS, criticizing it for being weaponized and calling for immediate deportations. He also responded to proponents of TPS, rebuking the idea that it’s somehow compassionate or beneficial to our economy.
“Unfortunately, there has never been anything temporary about Temporary Protected Status,” Rep. Clyde explained. “TPS has been weaponized and abused for decades, turning a so-called ‘temporary’ protection into permanent amnesty. It’s time for Congress to close this amnesty loophole once and for all by fully repealing TPS and sending all TPS holders out of the country.”
He continued, “Proponents of TPS claim the designation is both compassionate and essential to our economy. In reality, America is not a charity or an international economic zone. Our entire focus must be on the safety, prosperity, and futures of American citizens, which is why shutting down America Last immigration policies like TPS is critically important.”
Temporary Protected Status has been widely abused for decades—effectively turning a so-called “temporary” protection into permanent amnesty.
My Territorial Protection and Sovereignty Act would eliminate TPS once and for all. https://t.co/FADVQtwFWA
— Rep. Andrew Clyde (@Rep_Clyde) April 23, 2026
The Bill and its Context
Repealing TPS would terminate existing TPS designations and direct TPS holders to depart the United States, as they would no longer be considered lawfully present.
For context, over one million migrants living in the country are either receiving or eligible for the designation. The Biden Administration also expanded TPS, adding countries like Ukraine, Venezuela, and Afghanistan.
Additionally, the “temporary” designation has effectively become a permanent status, with some migrant groups maintaining TPS for decades.
For example, migrants from El Salvador have had it for 25 years, migrants from Honduras have had it for 26 years, and, strikingly, migrants from Somalia have had it for 34 years.
This legislation from Rep. Clyde comes after Republican discourse on TPS and immigration. Georgia Republicans, in particular, recently came out against the DIGNITY Act, which provides a path towards amnesty for millions of illegal immigrants.
