Nearly 350,000 Venezuelan immigrants who gained TPS protections in 2023 may lose their legal status in April
In a dramatic shift in immigration policy, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is set to terminate deportation protections for nearly 350,000 Venezuelans who obtained Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in 2023. The move, which will take effect in April, follows a decision by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to cancel a recent extension that would have allowed Venezuelan TPS holders to remain in the United States until October 2026.
The TPS program, which began in 1990, provides protection for individuals from countries deemed too dangerous for them to return to due to ongoing conflict or disaster. Venezuelans were granted TPS in 2023 due to the country’s severe economic instability, health crises, and rising crime rates. However, DHS now argues that conditions in Venezuela have improved, citing gains in the economy, public health, and crime reduction, and asserting that it is now safe for these individuals to return home.
The announcement has sparked a wave of outrage, with immigrant advocates and Democratic lawmakers decrying the decision as “cruel” and “reckless.” A letter sent to Secretary Noem from a group of Democratic lawmakers condemned the move, stating that returning Venezuelans to a country under “dictatorship” would be akin to sentencing them to death. They questioned the reasoning behind the termination, pointing to Venezuela’s continued instability and repression, which they argue makes it unsafe for nationals to be sent back.
“The only justification offered for this decision has been the false claim that all Venezuelans are ‘dirt bags’ or ‘violent criminals,'” the letter stated, reflecting the growing frustration with the policy shift.
Keri Talbot, co-executive director of the Immigration Hub, also criticised the termination, arguing that this decision would devastate thousands of families who have established their lives in the U.S. “Families who work, contribute, and play by the rules are under attack,” Talbot said. “This isn’t about policy; it’s about inflicting harm at any cost.”
The decision affects only those who received TPS under the 2023 designation. Venezuelans who registered under the 2021 TPS designation will retain their protections until September 2025. This distinction has done little to quell the growing backlash, however, as the 2023 designation holders face an imminent loss of their legal status, leaving many in a state of uncertainty.
The news comes as the Biden administration continues to face pressure from immigrant rights groups, while opposition figures, including Trump’s allies, continue to argue for stricter immigration controls. The termination of TPS for Venezuelans is seen as part of a broader shift in immigration policy under the current DHS leadership, which has left many vulnerable individuals and families in limbo.
As the expiration date for TPS protections draws near, questions remain about what alternatives will be provided for the Venezuelans impacted by this decision. With widespread condemnation from advocacy groups and lawmakers alike, it is clear that the decision will continue to spark intense debate on the future of U.S. immigration policy.
