Keys to understanding what will happen with TPS for Venezuelans

TPS for Venezuelans

The TPS for Venezuelans has been a lifeline for thousands of migrants that we have encountered in United States an opportunity to work and live with greater security. 

However, recent government decisions have generated confusion and fear.TPS is overWill there be massive deportations, what will happen to those who depend on this status to stay in the country? In the midst of so much information (and misinformation), it is normal to feel anguish.

But before we panic, let's clarify what's going on. Therefore, in this article, we will explain to you what has changed in TPS for Venezuelans, what remains the same and what you can do to prepare. 

Our goal is not to alarm you, but to give you reliable information so you can make the best decisions for your future. So take a deep breath and read on. We're going to break it all down, step by step, so you'll know exactly what to expect and how to act.

What is TPS for Venezuelans?

TPS United States

If you are Venezuelan and live in the U.S.you've heard of the TPS (Temporary Protected Status)

For many, this program has been a lifesaver, enabling them to work and live legally in the country while the situation in Venezuela remains difficult. But what exactly is the TPS and why is it so important?

The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a program created by the U.S. Congress at 1990. Its objective is to protect people from countries that are going through armed conflicts, humanitarian crises or natural disasters, and that they cannot return safely.

Thanks to this benefit, Venezuelans who qualify are able to living and working in the United States legally for a certain period of time. However, there is something very important that you should know: the TPS does not give permanent residency nor does it lead directly to citizenship. It is a temporary permit and from time to time the government decides whether to renew or cancel it.

In recent years, The United States has granted TPS citizens of different countries, such as El Salvador, Honduras, Haiti, Ukraine and Syriaamong others. 

Venezuela was included in this list in March 2021recognizing the political and economic crisis in our country. Since then, approximately 600,000 Venezuelans have benefited from this protection.

Why is it so important for Venezuelans?

For many of us, the TPS is more than just a work permit: it is the possibility to live with peace of mind. 

With this program, thousands of people have been able to get jobs, pay taxes, rent or buy a house, enroll in school and, in general, have a more stable life.

The problem is that, being a temporary programis always subject to change. While some countries have maintained the TPS for decades (as El Salvador, which has had it for more than 20 years), others have seen their benefits cancelled overnight.

Now, the big question that thousands of Venezuelans are asking is: what will happen with the TPS after the government's recent decision?

The revocation of the TPS extension: what does this mean?

As we can see, the TPS for Venezuelans has been a relief for thousands of people who have found in United States a safe haven. 

In January 2025the Department of Homeland Security announced that the program would be extended until October 2026., news that brought hope and peace of mind to those who depend on this benefit to work and live legally in the country.

However, in February 2025the new Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, confirmed that the Trump administration would revoke this extension. This decision has generated a wave of uncertainty and fear within the Venezuelan community in the United StatesMany people are afraid of being left without protection and at risk of deportation.

But... does it really mean that it disappears?

Not exactly. The first thing to understand is that what was repealed it was not the TPS itself, but the order that automatically extended the benefit for an additional 18 months.

In order to better understand the impact of this decision, it is important to remember that how TPS has worked for Venezuelan nationals until now:

  • Group 2021: the first TPS beneficiaries have it in force until the end of the September 10, 2025.
  • Group 2023: those who signed up for the 2023 redesignation have it valid until April 2, 2025.

Shortly before leaving his post, an official from Department of Homeland Security signed an order to automatically extend TPS for an additional 18 monthswhich meant that the beneficiaries would not have to go through a new procedure for maintain its protection until 2026.

The new administration argued that this extension was not done legally, because the official who signed it did not have the authority to do so. As a result, they decided to revoke this automatic extension.

What if you have already applied for the extension?

If someone paid for and submitted his application for the 18-month extensionthe most probable is that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) return the money and the application, as this extension has become legally invalid.

But this does not mean that the TPS disappears nor that it cannot be renewed. The most normal thing is that people can reapply when a new extension period opens.

When will we know if it will be renewed?

Over the years, the Department of Homeland Security has followed a common practice: 60 days prior to TPS expiration dateannounced whether or not it will be renewed. This means that:

  • For beneficiaries of the 2023 group, the key date will be February 2025, since its TPS expires in April. In other words, we will know more during the course of this month.
  • For beneficiaries of the group of 2021we will have to wait until July 2025because its TPS expires in September.

For now, the most important thing is not to panic. The situation is still evolving, and it is very likely that in the next few months there will be new announcements on the future of TPS.

If you depend on the TPS to remain in the United States, consult with an immigration attorney to understand what your options are. There are still legal avenues that can help you maintain your status and avoid any risk of deportation.

In times of uncertainty, the best thing to do is to be prepared, to be well informed and not to be carried away by rumors. Let's keep an eye on what is coming!

Some alternatives to maintain your status

green card image

If your work permit or your legal stay in the U.S. depend entirely on the TPSIf you are concerned about the recent changes, it is normal for you to be concerned about the recent changes. However, there are still options you may want to consider to protect your immigration status and avoid being unprotected.

The immigration lawyers recommend exploring legal alternatives now, rather than waiting until the TPS reaches its deadline. Here are some key actions you can take.

Evaluate if you can apply for asylum

The political asylum is an option for those who face real danger should they return to Venezuela. If you have been a victim of persecution, threats or reprisals for political, religious, gender or religious reasons. or any other form of discriminationyou may qualify for asylum.

However, it should be noted that:

  • Asylum has deadlines: Generally, you must apply within one year of your arrival in the United States, although there are exceptions.
  • You must prove your case: you will need documents, testimonials and evidence to support your application.
  • Lsylum cases can take time: Currently, there is a large backlog of applications, so waiting times can be long.

If you think you may qualify for asylum, consult a specialized lawyer as soon as possible to evaluate if this is a viable alternative for you.

Explore other ways to regularize your status

The TPS is not a direct path to the permanent residencebut there are other options you may want to consider:

  • Family requests: if you have immediate family members in the U.S. who are citizens or permanent residents (such as a spouse, parent, or adult child), they may be able to petition for residency for you.
  • Marriage to a citizen or resident: if you are in a stable relationship and you decide to marry a U.S. citizen or legal resident, you may be eligible for a Green Card by marriage. However, the relationship must be legitimate and not just for immigration purposes.
  • Work or study visas: some people with TPS may qualify for a employment visa or student visa (F-1). This will depend on your employer, educational level and available opportunities.
  • Parole or adjustment of status programs: Depending on future immigration policies, new regularization options for Venezuelans may emerge.

An attorney can help you determine which option is best suited to your situation and what steps to take.

Stay informed and follow the official announcements

In times of uncertainty, information is your best tool. Don't get carried away by rumors or alarmist publications on social networks. Instead, follow official sources such as:

  • Department of Homeland Security (DHS): publish updates on changes to TPS and other immigration programs.
  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): is the agency in charge of processing TPS and other immigration benefits.
  • Organizations that help migrants: There are NGOs and immigration lawyers who publish up-to-date and reliable information.

At CuriaraWe know that being away from home, family and everything we once knew is already a huge challenge; and when you add to that the uncertainty and fear of losing stability that we have worked so hard to build, the anguish becomes even greater. 

Therefore, we want you to know that you are not alone. We understand your concern, your tiredness and that mixture of hope and fear with which you many Venezuelans in the United States live today.

We sincerely hope that this article has been useful to you, that it helps you to see more clearly what is happening and, above all, that it reminds you that there are still options and paths to follow. 

The Venezuelan community has proven to be resilient, hardworking and fighter, and although these are difficult times, you are not alone in this. We send you all our support and strength. Let's move forward, let's keep building a future.

Curiara, uniting families.