This Wednesday, the United States rescinded the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelan migrants, a decision initially granted by President Joe Biden's administration. This extension would have provided an additional 18 months of deportation protection, up until October 2026, along with work permits. The withdrawal of this measure is a significant setback for over 600,000 Venezuelans currently residing in the U.S., who may now face deportation in the upcoming months.
Back on January 17, Alejandro N. Mayorkas, the former Secretary of Homeland Security under Biden, had extended these protections for Venezuelans. However, Kristi Noem, the current head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), argued that her predecessor's decision allowed these individuals to "remain here and breach our laws for another 18 months." "We halted that. Today, we signed an executive order at the DHS stating that we will not follow this extension... we will proceed with evaluating all these individuals in our country, including the Venezuelans present and members of the Tren de Aragua," she remarked to Fox News.
Noem further stated that Americans want these "criminal elements" out of the country, referring to irregular migrants accused of crimes who were apprehended last week. The U.S. initially granted this Temporary Protected Status to Venezuelans on March 9, 2021. In October 2023, the South American nation was redesignated for an 18-month period—known as the 2023 TPS for Venezuela—allowing over 470,000 citizens to apply for this benefit. It was initially set to remain in effect until September 10 of the following year.
The Biden administration had extended this validity until October 2026, a decision that Trump has now overturned. Venezuelan migrants with TPS will maintain their status until its expiration, depending on their individual cases. Those who received TPS in 2021 will retain their protection until September, while individuals who obtained it in 2023 will have it until April. The current Secretary of Homeland Security has until Saturday to decide on granting another extension to those who received their status in 2023. If no action is taken, protections will automatically extend for six months, as per the notice.
Once this period concludes, all beneficiaries will revert to their "original status or immigration category prior to TPS, if applicable," or to "any other legally obtained status or category acquired while registered for TPS." Those who do not meet either condition would be classified as undocumented. Some may qualify for asylum but must prove persecution in Venezuela due to political affiliation, religion, ethnicity, etc.
Venezuelans have been migrating en masse to the United States, fleeing political repression, poverty, violence, and lack of opportunities in their home country.
FAQs on the Revocation of TPS for Venezuelans
What is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a humanitarian program that provides temporary protection from deportation and employment authorization to eligible nationals of designated countries experiencing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary conditions.
Why was the TPS extension for Venezuelans revoked?
The extension was revoked as the current DHS leadership believed it allowed individuals to remain in the U.S. and breach laws, prompting a reassessment of their immigration status.
What happens to Venezuelans currently holding TPS?
Venezuelans with TPS will retain their status until its expiration, after which they must revert to their original immigration status or any legally obtained status acquired during their TPS registration.
Can Venezuelans still apply for asylum in the U.S.?
Yes, Venezuelans may still apply for asylum, but they must demonstrate that they have suffered persecution in their home country due to political, religious, or other factors.