The US Department of Homeland Security designated Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status on March 9, 2021. This decision will allow a significant percentage of Venezuelans in the US to apply for temporary status, work authorization and protection against deportation.
This designation is important and has been lobbied for heavily for many years. Venezuelans in the US have struggled to maintain lawful status and avoid returning to Venezuela. While some have qualified for asylum, many more have been stuck in case processing backlogs or denied protection. President Trump announced Deferred Enforced Departure for Venezuelans on January 19, 2021, and this notice also implements that protection.
The TPS designation for Venezuela runs for 18 months, effective March 9, 2021, through September 9, 2022. The notice advises that “Individuals who apply for and receive TPS and who are also covered by DED do not need to apply for employment authorization under both programs.” It appears likely that TPS for Venezuela will be renewed, potentially for many years.