On March 8, 2021, the Biden administration designated Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status.
The terms of the new program will be published in the Federal Register on March 9, 2021. This means that Venezuelans who were present in the United States on March 8, 2021, may now gain work authorization and travel authorization with a document termed “advance parole.” Among other lesser requirements, Venezuelans must establish that they:
• Are citizens or nationals of Venezuela,
• Registered for Temporary Protected Status within the 180 days registration period that commenced on January 9, 2021.
• Were physically present in the United States on March 8, 2021,
• Are admissible to the United States (meaning they do not fall within a laundry list of persons who are ineligible to enter the United States),
• Have not been convicted of a felony, two or more misdemeanors, or any security related serious offense, and
• Have not firmly resettled in a third country.
Most Venezuelans, even those with pending asylum applications, are strongly encouraged to consider applying for TPS. It is important to understand that this benefit has strict filing and temporal requirements that should be reviewed with the careful guidance of an experienced immigration attorney.
Our managing attorney for the immigration department, Francisco Symphorien-Saavedra, is the only Venezuelan born Board Certified Expert in the State of Florida.
TPS for Venezuela is a long overdue relief that will benefit thousands of Venezuelans who have been the victims of one of the worst humanitarian displacements under an autocratic communist regime. If you need assistance in resolving your immigration status, you are strongly encouraged to contact our office for a consultation at 407-487-4558.
