U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced the extension of TPS for Venezuela.
Extension of TPS for Venezuela 2022-2024
Venezuelans currently enrolled in the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program could remain under the program's protection for another 18 months from September 10, 2022 through March 10, 2024. In addition, the validity of their work permits under TPS that expire on September 9, 2022 will be automatically extended.
DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas said, "After careful consideration and in consultation with the Secretary of State, I am extending that designation today. This action is one of many ways the Biden Administration is providing humanitarian support to Venezuelans at home and abroad, along with our regional partners. We will continue to work with our international partners to address the challenges of regional migration, while ensuring security at our borders."
There are approximately 343,000 Venezuelans currently protected under TPS who may be eligible to re-register for the program.
TPS re-registration process for Venezuela
DHS will publish an official notice on the Federal Register and provide instructions on the process of re-registering for TPS and renewing your employment authorization.
The extension only applies to individuals who are currently covered by TPS for Venezuelans and have been living in the U.S. since formerly March 9, 2021.
Venezuelans who never registered for the program, but made it to the U.S. formerly March 9, 2021 must apply for initial TPS registration with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You must file the application formerly on September 10, 2022, if eligible. This includes Venezuelans who are currently in the country. covered under the Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) program which will terminate on July 20, 2022.
Venezuelans arriving in the United States then March 8, 2021 are not eligible for TPS.
Individuals who applied for TPS and a work permit for the first time, whose applications are pending prior to the official announcement of the Federal RegisterIf they do, they will not have to submit new applications.
If your initial registration application is accepted, USCIS will extend your TPS status until March 10, 2024. The same is true if USCIS approves your initial TPS-related work permit application, which is currently pending.
What is TPS?
TPS is a temporary humanitarian immigration benefit. It is granted to persons who cannot return to their home countries because their lives would be in danger due to an ongoing armed conflict, environmental catastrophe, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions.
TPS registrants may remain in the United States and obtain employment authorization during the period of designation of their home country.
TPS does not lead to permanent residence in the United States. Beneficiaries return to the same immigration status they had before TPS (unless that status has expired or been revoked) or to any other status they may have acquired during TPS registration.
Not everyone is eligible for TPS. For example, a person is not eligible for TPS if he or she has been convicted of any felony, or two or more misdemeanors, committed anywhere in the world.
It is extremely important that anyone wishing to register or re-register for TPS consult with an immigration attorney to evaluate their legal options before beginning any immigration proceedings.
