The Trump administration has moved forward with plans to terminate the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) granted to over 256,000 Venezuelan nationals, setting the stage for their potential deportation. Under the Biden administration, two TPS designations were issued for Venezuelans-in 2021 and again in 2023-offering eligible individuals work permits and temporary relief from removal proceedings.
TPS is typically extended to individuals from countries experiencing severe crises such as natural disasters, armed conflicts, or other extraordinary circumstances. However, the Trump administration has determined that Venezuela no longer qualifies under these criteria. A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) representative explained, “After evaluating factors including public safety, national security, immigration trends, economic impacts, and foreign relations, it is evident that continuing TPS for Venezuelan nationals does not align with the best interests of the United States.”
The DHS further emphasized that Venezuela’s significant contribution to irregular migration and the incentive effect created by TPS status undermine efforts to secure the southern border and manage migration effectively. Consequently, the TPS designation for Venezuelans is set to expire on September 10, providing those currently protected a limited window-initially seven days-to make arrangements to depart the U.S. Nevertheless, DHS clarified that the termination will officially take effect 60 days following the publication of the Federal Register notice.
Beyond the 256,000 Venezuelans currently under TPS, the decision also affects 3,728 pending TPS applications and 102,935 renewal requests, all of which will be discontinued. The move to rescind TPS protections began shortly after Trump’s return to office, when then-Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced the intention to end the designation, citing that the Venezuelan presence was “contrary to the national interest.” This action was temporarily halted by a California judge who ruled the decision was based on unconstitutional negative stereotypes.
However, the U.S. Supreme Court later authorized the federal government to proceed with deportations, clearing the path for the current administration’s enforcement. This development marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy toward Venezuelan nationals who had previously found refuge under TPS protections.
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