If you are from Venezuela and have been in the United States continuously since before March 8, 2021, you may be eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The program is extended to citizens of countries that are experiencing temporary upheaval that makes it dangerous for them to return. Venezuela is experiencing a complex humanitarian crisis.

Beneficiaries of the TPS program are not subject to the ordinary deportation and removal rules. Once they are in the program, they can’t be detained merely for their immigration status. They can also obtain an employment authorization document (EAD) and may be granted authorization to travel abroad.

TPS does not grant permanent residency or create a path to citizenship. However, beneficiaries of TPS can still legally explore other immigration benefits or status they are eligible for.

You may not be eligible for TPS if:

  • You have been convicted of a felony or two misdemeanors
  • You are inadmissible to the U.S. for criminal or national security reasons
  • You are subject to any mandatory bar for asylum

If you’re already on TPS, it’s time to renew. If you were on DED, it’s time to sign up

TPS was originally designated for Venezuela on March 8, 2021, and the Department of Homeland Security has recently announced an extension of the program for 18 months.

In order to qualify, Venezuelans must have been in the U.S. as of March 8, 2021. If you are from Venezuela and were in the U.S. before March 8, 2021, you can apply for new TPS status or renew your status now.

Some Venezuelans are in the U.S. under a 2021 grant of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). That grant has just expired. If you were protected by DED and are still in the United States without a new immigration status, you should consider immediately applying for TPS.

If you are Venezuelan and have been granted TPS, it is time to renew your status.

The Department of Homeland Security estimates that approximately 343,000 Venezuelans qualify for TPS. However, the program has not been extended to people who arrived after March 8, 2021.

If you don’t reapply, you could lose your TPS. You would then be subject to deportation and removal back to Venezuela.

Contact Yew Immigration Law Group. We have years of experience helping people live and work in the United States.