Venezuelan TPS protections set to expire: what you need to know
Shreedhar Rathi | Feb 04, 2025, 09:20 IST
( Image credit : AP )
Nearly 350,000 Venezuelans will lose Temporary Protected Status and work permits in April 2023. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem canceled an extension that could have maintained protections until October 2026. Although DHS acknowledged persistent issues in Venezuela, they claimed improvements justified ending TPS. Advocates and lawmakers strongly oppose the decision, calling it cruel and reckless.
Nearly 350,000 Venezuelans who received deportation protection and work permits in 2023 under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) will lose those protections in April, according to a notice filed in the Federal Register.
Last week, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem announced that she would cancel a recent extension of the program initiated by former Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, which would have allowed nearly 600,000 Venezuelan TPS holders to maintain their status until October 2026. Noem had until February 1 to decide whether to extend protections for those who joined the program in 2023.
As a result, these nearly 350,000 Venezuelan immigrants could lose their legal status unless they qualify for other forms of relief.
Background on TPS
The TPS program, which began in 1990, was designed to protect immigrants in the U.S. from countries deemed too dangerous to return to. The designation is under the discretion of the DHS Secretary.
In the notice, DHS acknowledged that some conditions in Venezuela that led to the 2023 TPS designation may still persist. However, they argued that there have been improvements in the country's economy, public health, and crime rates, making it safer for these individuals to return.
Controversy Surrounding the Decision
DHS further stated that Secretary Noem believes it is "contrary to the national interest" to allow the Venezuelan nationals to remain in the U.S. under TPS.
This move has sparked outrage from various groups. Democratic lawmakers, in a letter to Noem, argued that returning Venezuelan immigrants to their home country, under its current conditions, would be "a death sentence." They cited Venezuela's ongoing instability and repression as reasons for their objections, demanding more transparency from the DHS regarding the decision.
Immigrant advocates have also expressed concerns, calling the decision "cruel" and "reckless." Keri Talbot, co-executive director of the Immigration Hub, said, "Donald Trump's attempt to revoke protections for 300,000 Venezuelans is as cruel as it is reckless." She warned that this action could signal further attacks on other immigrant groups.
Exceptions to the Termination
The termination of TPS protections will not apply to Venezuelans who registered under the 2021 TPS designation. Those protections will remain valid until September 10, 2025.
The notice is set to be published on February 5, with the termination of the 2023 TPS designation set to take effect 60 days after publication, meaning protections will expire on April 2 unless extended.
Last week, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem announced that she would cancel a recent extension of the program initiated by former Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, which would have allowed nearly 600,000 Venezuelan TPS holders to maintain their status until October 2026. Noem had until February 1 to decide whether to extend protections for those who joined the program in 2023.
As a result, these nearly 350,000 Venezuelan immigrants could lose their legal status unless they qualify for other forms of relief.
Background on TPS
The TPS program, which began in 1990, was designed to protect immigrants in the U.S. from countries deemed too dangerous to return to. The designation is under the discretion of the DHS Secretary.
In the notice, DHS acknowledged that some conditions in Venezuela that led to the 2023 TPS designation may still persist. However, they argued that there have been improvements in the country's economy, public health, and crime rates, making it safer for these individuals to return.
Controversy Surrounding the Decision
DHS further stated that Secretary Noem believes it is "contrary to the national interest" to allow the Venezuelan nationals to remain in the U.S. under TPS.
This move has sparked outrage from various groups. Democratic lawmakers, in a letter to Noem, argued that returning Venezuelan immigrants to their home country, under its current conditions, would be "a death sentence." They cited Venezuela's ongoing instability and repression as reasons for their objections, demanding more transparency from the DHS regarding the decision.
Immigrant advocates have also expressed concerns, calling the decision "cruel" and "reckless." Keri Talbot, co-executive director of the Immigration Hub, said, "Donald Trump's attempt to revoke protections for 300,000 Venezuelans is as cruel as it is reckless." She warned that this action could signal further attacks on other immigrant groups.
Exceptions to the Termination
The termination of TPS protections will not apply to Venezuelans who registered under the 2021 TPS designation. Those protections will remain valid until September 10, 2025.
The notice is set to be published on February 5, with the termination of the 2023 TPS designation set to take effect 60 days after publication, meaning protections will expire on April 2 unless extended.