The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuela. DHS says this decision comes in response to ongoing extraordinary conditions in Venezuela, which have made it unsafe for individuals to return to their home country. However, major news outlets are reporting that this decision comes after heavy pressure from local and federal political leaders who say their communities need immigrants to be able to work.

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas has announced an 18-month extension and redesignation of TPS for Venezuela. The TPS extension offers temporary protection from deportation and provides employment authorization for Venezuelan nationals residing in the United States before July 31, 2023.

Currently, there are approximately 242,700 TPS beneficiaries under Venezuela’s existing designation, with an additional 472,000 nationals of Venezuela who may be eligible under the redesignation. This extension and redesignation aim to provide relief to the Venezuelan community in the United States, allowing them to live and work legally.