Bold Actions Undertaken by Biden to Support Venezuelans in the U.S.

It is no secret that President Biden is making significant efforts to uphold a transparent immigration system that works on behalf of immigrants. In his first fifty days, President Biden undertook actions that have demonstrated just that. For the first time in our nation’s history, a Hispanic immigrant has been successfully appointed to lead our nation’s Department of Homeland Security. Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is taking the helm of a department that has been highly politicized and left without supervision in some part. Mayorkas’ mission is to implement sound and commonsense immigration policies that align with the Biden administration’s focus on bold and visionary policies that benefit America. President Biden understands the need for upholding our legal immigration system while inviting new talent and ensuring the rights of millions of undocumented immigrants are secure in the United States. The administration understands that it will take a united stance on immigration to effectively come out of the Covid-19 pandemic. Their immigration policies will be essential in jumpstarting our economy.

In a series of executive actions, the Biden administration has laid the critical framework to offer deportation protection and employment authorization for nearly three-hundred thousand Venezuelan immigrants currently residing in the United States. Venezuelans have seen the dire effects of corrupt leadership, hyperinflation, and criminal enterprises taking grasp of their beloved country. Citing the issues back home, the Biden administration’s announcement is a manifestation of the hopes of millions of Venezuelans that have fled their beloved home for safety. According to the article a senior Biden Administration official stated, “The designation is due to the extraordinary and temporary conditions in Venezuela, which is one of the statutory bases for it. Because of conditions there, it is not safe for Venezuelans to return.”

What’s Happening in Venezuela?

In the mid to late 1900’s, Venezuela was once a prosperous nation vibrant in economic opportunities and wealth. Buoyed by an expanding oil supply and high oil prices, Venezuela was a dominant force in South America. Severe economic mismanagement and failed leadership by Hugo Chavez and his successor Nicolas Maduro, have reigned over a country with political and economic corruption. Severe devaluation of Venezuela’s currency and credit defaults have led to some economists fearing Venezuela is in imminent economic collapse.

TPS or Temporary Protective Status is a program that is afforded to select individuals from a handful of countries. The program offers such individuals legal status in the United States as a return back home is just not feasible. To qualify for TPS, immigrants from identified countries (Haiti, Venezuela, Nepal, El Salvador, Syria, Nicaragua, Yemen, Honduras, Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan) have been in the crosshairs of nations plagued by armed conflict, natural disasters, or other unsafe conditions. It is through TPS that these individuals are permitted to work and live in the U.S. until the conflicts subside. The program doesn’t offer long-term protections for immigrants as is the case for Venezuelans (eighteen-month protective status) so it’s important that eligible applicants apply sooner rather than later.

Secretary Alejandro Mayrokas released a statement on March 8th, designating Venuzeluan immigrants under the Temporary Protective Status program for eighteen months or until September of 2022. Venezuelans are currently able to apply as long as they meet specific eligibility requirements. At this time, Venezuelans are unable to safely return due to the significant failures of the Maduro regime. Maduro has enabled corruption and is partly the reason as to why the nation has faced increased sanctions from foreign nations. His actions have led Venezuelans to ration food, resort to criminal activity, and omit necessary healthcare. The economic and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela must be recognized and it is the duty of the world to help aid Venezuela’s people. Secretary Mayorkas understands that the conditions in Venezuela warrant swift TPS protections for Venezuelans. Mayorkas stated, “The living conditions in Venezuela reveal a country in turmoil, unable to protect its citizens, 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.” As Venezulan citizens call for action so that a new leader can take charge, our only hope is that corruption is weeded out and a democratic system is established.

To be eligible for TPS certain requirements must be met. They include the following:

• Continuous residence in the United States since the announcement made by SecretaryMayorkas on March 8th, 2021
• Eligible individuals must apply for TPS within 180 days with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency.
• At the same time, individuals are also able to apply for Employment Authorization Documents.
•  Additional application requirements and facts can be found here
•  If you have any additional questions as it relates to the above document, please call our team at (203) 753-7300

Eligible TPS applicants should take immediate actions to apply for Temporary Protective Status. Don’t delay your application.

Our Results First Attitude

Whether you’re involved in a catastrophic injury or facing deportation, Attorney James A. Welcome has a proven track record of success. Our motto, which we strive to live by, Results You Can Trust, has been embedded in the way we practice law. We’ve been committed to upholding transparent legal practices since the founding of The Law Offices of James A. Welcome in 2005. As a leading Connecticut Immigration law firm, we understand what results mean for you and have embodied that sentiment in the way we approach all our legal matters. Rest assured your case is in trusted hands.

Planning on immigrating to the United States and are unsure of what to do next? Or are you currently residing in the United States and are eligible to obtain legal status? Don’t worry, The Law Offices of James A. Welcome is ready to prioritize your goals and take action on your behalf. Immigrants deserve just representation backed by decades of legal experience. By partnering with our Connecticut immigration team, you’ll get the results and representation you desire without the hassle of working with inexperienced counsel. The legal process is complex and at times can be highly confusing. We understand that your future depends on securing legal status in the United States and we’ll prioritize making your dreams a reality. For nearly two decades Attorney James A. Welcome, a Connecticut native, has fought on behalf of immigrants and injured workers throughout the state. We’ve secured results on behalf of our clients while not backing away from a fight. As a top-rated law firm in Connecticut, we’ve been fortunate enough to represent thousands of clients. Our track record is a testament to our commitment to your priorities. Worried about getting your immigration goals lost in language translations? Our team members speak a variety of languages including Spanish, Portuguese, and Turkish to better assist you in any communications. Our goal is to keep you focused on what really matters, your American dream.

Now is the time to take the next steps in your immigration case. President Biden has vowed to fight on behalf of immigrants on the policy stage but it will take a skilled immigration Attorney to ensure those policy initiatives that may or may not impact your case are upheld in your case. Attorney James A. Welcome will take advantage of these changes when it comes to your legal status. Contact our team for 24/7 legal support at welcomelawfirm.com via our live chat feature or feel free to call us at your convenience at (203) 753-7300. To mitigate the risks associated with the Covid-19 virus and new strains, our firm is only offering telephonic and video conferences at this time. Reach out!