LatinNews Daily - 10 February 2025

Venezuela: On 1 February US Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem terminated Venezuela’s 2023 Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation, which blocks the deportation of people from countries experiencing “ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or extraordinary and temporary conditions” that “prevent its nationals from returning safely”. Noem had already revoked an 18-month extension to Venezuela’s TPS which was ordered by her predecessor, Alejandro Mayorkas (2021-2025), during the final days of the Joe Biden administration (2021-2025). Following the cancellation of Mayorkas’ extension on 29 January, Noem said that Venezuelan migrants “were going to be able to stay here and violate our laws for another 18 months – we stopped that”. As outlined in the termination notice in the US Federal Register, the benefits of TPS – including the right to residence in the US and employment authorisation – will cease after 7 April. The notice in the Federal Register states that “certain conditions for the 2023 TPS designation of Venezuela may continue; however, there are notable improvements in several areas such as the economy, public health, and crime that allow for these nationals to be safely returned to their home country.” The notice further adds that the TPS is not in the “national interest” of the US. This termination does not apply to the 2021 TPS designation of Venezuela, which remains in effect until 10 September 2025, or to individuals registered for TPS under the 2021 designation.

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