If currently residing in the United States, Venezuelan nationals and those who last resided in Venezuela may not apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) if they are otherwise eligible to do so.

On March 8, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas designated Venezuela for TPS lasting for 18 months, until September 2022. The designation is a result of “extraordinary and temporary conditions” in Venezuela that make it dangerous for national to safely return to the country.

Among such conditions in Venezuela cited by the Department of Homeland Security are the following:

• Widespread hunger and malnutrition
• Growing influence and presence of non-state armed groups
• Repression
• Crumbling infrastructure

The above-mentioned conditions qualify as “extraordinary and temporary,” which is one of three statutory bases for TPS designation. The other two are ongoing armed conflict and environmental disasters.

“The living conditions in Venezuela reveal a country in turmoil, unable to protect its own citizens,” said Secretary Mayorkas in a press release. “It is in times of extraordinary and temporary circumstances like these that the United States steps forward to support eligible Venezuelan nationals already present here, while their home country seeks to right itself out of the current crises.”

Eligibility for Temporary Protected Status

Under Venezuela’s designation, only those who can demonstrate continued residence in the U.S. as of March 8, 2021, can apply for TPS. Their application must be filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services within 180 days.

Everyone who applies for TPS must undergo a security and background check as part of the eligibility vetting process. Employment Authorization Documents and travel authorization are also possible.

How to Apply for TPS

If you are a Venezuelan national or someone who recently resided in Venezuela and has continuously resided in the U.S. as of March 8 this year, you may be eligible for Temporary Protected Status lasting until September 2022.

Because obtaining this status may be vital to the safety of you and your loved ones, you should consult with an immigration attorney. Only a qualified legal professional has the experience and knowledge it takes to provide people like you with the legal advice and services it takes to achieve TPS.

If you want to increase your odds of successfully gaining TPS designated for Venezuela, we encourage you to reach out to our attorney at the Law Offices of James A. Welcome and request a consultation.

Get in touch with us online or by calling our offices at (203) 806-7922 today.