Venezuelan TPS Status Vacated: What’s Next for Venezuelans with TPS in America?
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), the Homeland Security Secretary (HSS) has the discretion to designate a foreign state or part thereof for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) when the Secretary concludes that a particular set of conditions in the country exists. Under the previous Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, Venezuela was granted TPS status.
Before Secretary Mayorkas left his post, he extended Venezuela’s designation for TPS and consolidated the filing process so that every eligible Venezuela TPS beneficiary could benefit from the extension. Additionally, Secretary Mayorkas extended some Employment Authorization Documents (EADs).
Recently, the new Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem, vacated the previous HSS’s provisions effective immediately. This means that TPS is no longer available for some Venezuelans in the country who may have been enjoying the protections and benefits of the program.
The U.S. immigration policies are always complex, and they change frequently. If you are a Venezuelan unsure about what this new dictate means for you and your family, having an experienced attorney helping you can be incredibly advantageous and the reason you are able to stay in the U.S. or not. Fortunately, the Atlanta deportation defense attorneys at Shirazi Immigration Law, Inc. understand the system and are dedicated to helping good people like yourself navigate it so you understand your legal options for securing the most favorable outcomes.
How Does Vacating the Temporary Immigration Program Impact Venezuelans Living in the United States?
Since 1990 when the program was created, TPS was used to grant temporary immigration safeguards to migrants whose home country was torn apart by war, devastated by natural disasters, or where various perilous and emergency conditions exist making their home country far too dangerous to go back to. While TPS does not provide migrants with permanent legal status, it does protect them from deportation and allows them to obtain work permits.
The recent Venezuela TPS program shielded over 600,000 migrants, making it the most significant action of protection for migrants to date. It is estimated that in as little as two months after Noem’s decision is published, approximately 350,000 Venezuelans will no longer have deportation protections, and they will also lose their ability to work because they will no longer have work permits. Of the remaining Venezuelans with protection, TPS status will remain through September.
Speak with an Atlanta Immigration Attorney Today
When there is a change in U.S. presidential administrations, especially from one political party to another, this usually means a change in direction from the previous administration’s vision. This includes every aspect of government and how it functions, including government policy related to immigration. The Trump administration ran on overhauling the system, and as a result, migrants in the United States and those who wish to come to the country should be prepared for drastic changes that could make the journey to one’s American Dream that much more difficult.
For a consultation to discuss your immigration needs and case, please call Shirazi Immigration Law, Inc. at 404-523-3611. One of our Atlanta, GA, immigration lawyers is here for you and ready to help.
Source:
federalregister.gov/documents/2025/02/03/2025-02183/vacatur-of-2025-temporary-protected-status-decision-for-venezuela
