DHS Extends Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans Amid Ongoing Humanitarian

Washington, D.C., January 11, 2025 —  The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced an 18-month extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelan nationals, citing extraordinary and temporary conditions that make it unsafe for eligible individuals to return to Venezuela.  The extension will span from April 3, 2025, to October 2, 2026, benefiting approximately 600,000 Venezuelans who currently hold TPS. 

Humanitarian Crisis in Venezuela Drives Extension 

After a thorough review of Venezuela’s dire conditions, DHS determined that a severe humanitarian emergency under Nicolás Maduro’s regime—marked by political instability, widespread violence, and a lack of essential resources such as food, medicine, and electricity—meets the criteria for TPS extension. 

“Se conditions are inhumane and unsustainable, posing severe risks to the safety and well-being of Venezuelan nationals,” DHS officials stated. 

Eligibility and Requirements 

To qualify for TPS, Venezuelan nationals must meet the following conditions: 

• Continuous U.S. Residence: Individuals must have resided in the U.S. since July 31, 2023. 
• Exclusions: Venezuelans who arrived after this date or failed to enter through lawful processes are ineligible. 

Individuals with convictions of a felony or two misdemeanors remain barred from TPS eligibility. 

Eligible beneficiaries are required to re-register during the official re-registration period, beginning with  Federal Register notice publication and running until September 10, 2025. DHS is automatically extending the validity of certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) through April 2, 2026, to address potential processing delays. 

Streamlined Application Processing 

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will continue processing pending applications for individuals who previously applied for TPS under  2021 or 2023 Venezuela designations. Those with pending Form I-821 (TPS application) or Form I-765 (work authorization application) do not need to refile. 

If approved, the applications will grant TPS and corresponding EAD validity through October 2, 2026. Details regarding re-registration, eligibility, and EAD renewal will be provided in the forthcoming Federal Register notice. 

Enforcement and Security Measures 

DHS reaffirmed its commitment to rigorous vetting of TPS applicants to ensure public safety. Any individual deemed a threat will face enforcement actions, including detention or removal. 

A Lifeline for Venezuelan Nationals 

TPS extension reflects ongoing U.S. support for Venezuelans fleeing a collapsing political and economic system. By providing protection and work authorization,  the program enables eligible individuals to remain legally in the U.S. while Venezuela grapples with its ongoing crises. 

DHS’s decision underscores the Biden administration’s recognition of the humanitarian needs of Venezuelan nationals and its commitment to maintaining robust protections for those at risk.