In tune with other measures established to improve the immigration situation, the Biden administration extends the TPS Venezuela for another 18 months.
The Biden government announced an extension for TPS for Venezuelans, which means an opportunity to improve the immigration status of hundreds of thousands of migrants from the South American country. It is the second time that the current administration has generated an extension for this type of request, the last being in March 2021. This second instance is in tune with the various humanitarian aid policies that the country has had with Venezuela and other countries of Latin America.
The temporary protected status program that allows some Venezuelans who have not regularized their immigration status to remain in the country legally had an expiration date of September 10 of this year. This date was extended for another 18 months so that it will be in force until March 2024, according to the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
“As one of my first actions as secretary, I designated Venezuela for TPS (…) after careful consideration, and in consultation with the secretary of state, today I am extending that designation. This action is one of the many ways the Joe Biden Administration provides humanitarian support to Venezuelans at home and abroad, along with our regional partners.”
Fragment of the statement by Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
What is the TPS Venezuela?
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a temporary immigration status granted to people who are in the United States and unable to return to their countries of origin since they would face extreme difficulties and their integrity could be in danger. Various kinds of conflict, armed struggle, and natural disasters are considered in this decision.
Since the creation of the TPS in the 90s, thousands of foreigners have been beneficiaries of the program, being able to remain in the United States without fear of being returned or deported to their countries in conflict. In addition, TPS beneficiaries have the possibility to work and, from the beginning of this month, apply for permanent residence. In recent years, several migrants from Latin America have applied for Temporary Protected Status, due to various regional crises. It is for this reason that the extension of TPS Venezuela is a hopeful measure for the migrant community.
Who can apply for the extended TPS for Venezuelans?
According to official information from the 2019 Census, more than 423,000 Venezuelans live in the United States, of which 343,000 could benefit from the 18-month extension of the Temporary Protected Status. However, only those migrants who could already benefit from TPS and who lived in the United States as of March 8, 2021 will be able to access the TPS extension for Venezuelans. Venezuelans who have arrived in the country after that date are not eligible to request the extension.
Among those who can apply for TPS for Venezuelans are people who are in the asylum process, people who have been denied asylum but continue to live in the United States, and those who benefit from another program that prevents their deportation, such as the DED protection program, which expires on July 20, 2022.
Applying for TPS can be a complex and confusing process, but an experienced immigration lawyer can help. Lawyers can provide assistance with the application process, including helping to gather the necessary documentation and ensuring that all the required forms are completed correctly. In addition, lawyers can offer guidance on what to expect during the interview process and represent clients in court if necessary. Their knowledge of the law and experience with the TPS application process can give applicants a significant advantage. As a result, anyone who is considering applying for TPS should consult with an experienced immigration lawyer to ensure the best possible chance of success.
If you are in need of immigration legal advice, do not hesitate to contact us! At the Law Office of Shelle-Ann Simon we have wide experience in immigration proceedings, family law, and personal injury and have successfully defended our clients for over 10 years. Contact us through our website or give us a call at 281-606-5362!
