The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ended the Venezuela TPS (temporary protected status) categorization from 2023, removing deportation protection and work visa eligibility for 350,000 migrants. The termination goes into effect sixty days after the publication of the Federal Registration Notice. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem cited U.S. security concerns as the primary reason for revoking the decision.

TPS grants migrants from countries plagued by war, environmental disasters or other circumstances that make it unsafe for migrants to return home. There are currently 600,000 individuals in the United States that are registered under the Venezuela TPS system, making the largest. The termination of the 2023 decision applies to half of them.

Secretary Noem clarified that Venezuela’s current designation is not unwarranted, continuing the program without major modification is contrary to national interests. She cited both the arrival of the Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua and the numerous communities that find it difficult to integrate migrants. Despite the termination of the 2023 decision, Venezuelans registered under the 2021 TPS designation remain protected.

As always, ImmigrationUSA actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, we’re with you every step of the way.