Temporary Protected Status Announced for Venezuelans
Due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, which has been amplified by the pandemic, the Biden administration has decided to grant Temporary Protected Status to nationals of Venezuela for a period of 18 months beginning March 9, 2021. Venezuelan nationals in the United States can submit applications for TPS and Employment Authorization through September 5, 2021.
USCIS estimates that about 323,000 Venezuelans are eligible to file for TPS status.
By way of background, the Department of Homeland Security grants TPS to nationals of a country where conditions in that country temporarily prevent the country's nationals from returning safely, or, in certain circumstances, where the country is unable to handle the return of its nationals adequately. USCIS may grant TPS to eligible nationals of certain countries (or parts of countries), who are already in the United States.
DHS grants TPS to nationals of a country if the following temporary conditions exist in their home country: 1) ongoing armed conflict (such as civil war); 2) an environmental disaster (such as earthquake or hurricane), or an epidemic; or 3) other extraordinary and temporary conditions.
TPS beneficiaries are given work authorization, protected from removal, and may obtain travel permission.
Nationals of the following countries currently benefit from TPS:
This alert is for informational purposes only. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this development further.