Ever since the US government (the Biden administration), granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Venezuelans, citing a complex humanitarian crisis marked by widespread hunger and malnutrition, a growing influence and presence of non-state armed groups, repression, and a crumbling infrastructure, Venezuelans have found a temporary haven in America.
In September of 2023, Homeland Security announced that it is extending the designation of Venezuelan TPS for 18 months, beginning on March 11, 2024, and ending on September 10, 2025. The extension allows existing TPS beneficiaries to retain TPS through September 10, 2025, if they are still eligible and meet the requirements and must re-register during the re-registration period.
The redesignation of Venezuela allows additional Venezuelan nationals (and individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Venezuela) who have been continuously residing in the United States since July 31, 2023, to apply for TPS for the first time during the initial registration period. They must demonstrate that they have been continuously physically present in the United States since October 3, 2023, which is the effective date of the redesignation of Venezuelans for TPS.
Delaying Re-registration
USCIS may withdraw your TPS following appropriate procedures.
Delaying re-registration could result in gaps in your employment authorization documentation, and EAD cards may get delayed depending on processing times. If you currently have a Venezuela TPS-based EAD with the notation A–12 or C–19 and the card expires March 10, 2024, or September 9, 2022, this Federal Register notice automatically extends your EAD through March 10, 2025. You must renew it before then.
Applying for TPS While in Removal Proceedings with the Immigration Court
If you are in removal proceedings, you may be able to request the court to dismiss your case after applying for TPS. If you still would like to apply for asylum, you may be able to apply with USCIS after your removal proceedings are dismissed. By applying for TPS as soon as possible, you can likely avoid a final or individual court hearing and risk of receiving a removal order. Dismissing court proceedings is also extremely important even if your TPS is approved.