On March 9, 2021, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designated Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), effective immediately. For a period of 18 months, citizens and nationals of Venezuela who are granted TPS are eligible to remain in the United States irrespective of their current or prior U.S. immigration status. In addition, TPS beneficiaries can obtain work authorization in the form of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). 

DHS made the decision to designate Venezuela for TPS due to the ongoing economic and political crisis in that country. 

To qualify for TPS, applicants must have continually resided in the United States since March 8, 2021, and they must undergo appropriate security and background checks. Venezuelan nationals seeking TPS must apply during the 180-day registration period that runs through September 9, 2022. 

In the same publication as the TPS designation, DHS also established procedures for individuals covered by Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Venezuela to apply for EADs. The former administration granted DED to Venezuelan nationals on January 19, 2021, giving them an administrative stay of removal from the United States through July 20, 2022. 

For assistance in determining eligibility for TPS or DED, in filing a timely and complete TPS application, or in applying for an EAD based on TPS or DED, contact your Foster immigration attorney. As always, Foster continues to follow developments impacting the availability of immigration benefits and will provide additional information as it becomes available via future Immigration Updates© and on our firm’s website at www.fosterglobal.com.