The U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, is ending protections that have allowed about 350,000 Venezuelans to stay and work legally in the country. This decision affects those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a program that shields immigrants from deportation if their home country is experiencing extreme hardship, such as war or natural disasters.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that TPS protections for 348,202 Venezuelans will expire in April 2025. The remaining group of about 250,000 Venezuelans with TPS will lose their protection by the end of September. A notice about this decision will be published soon, and those affected will have 60 days before the order takes effect.
This move is part of the Trump administration’s broader efforts to tighten immigration rules and carry out mass deportations. Many Venezuelans in the U.S. are now uncertain about their future.
Henry Carmona, a 48-year-old Venezuelan who fled his country due to threats against his life, expressed his fear. “I will be undocumented by April. I cannot return to Venezuela; I could be jailed or even killed,” he said. Carmona, who now works in construction in Miami, is exploring legal options to stay in the U.S.
TPS was created by Congress in 1990 to protect people from deportation if their home countries were facing crises. It allows recipients to live and work in the U.S. for renewable periods of up to 18 months. Currently, about 1 million immigrants from 17 countries are under TPS, with Venezuelans being one of the largest groups.
Noem justified the decision by saying that conditions in Venezuela have improved enough to end TPS. She also pointed out that the influx of Venezuelan migrants has strained local communities and mentioned concerns about criminal groups, such as the Tren de Aragua gang, entering the U.S. However, critics argue that these criminal groups represent only a small percentage of Venezuelan migrants.
Venezuela has been in crisis for years, with over 7.7 million people fleeing since 2013 due to economic collapse and political instability under President Nicolás Maduro. Many settled in Latin America, but increasing numbers have sought refuge in the U.S.
Opposition leaders and immigrant advocates are fighting against the TPS termination. Maria Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition leader, said she is working with U.S. lawmakers to find a solution for Venezuelans. Adelys Ferro, director of the Venezuelan American Caucus, vowed to use legal action to protect affected individuals.
The U.S. does not currently have diplomatic relations with Venezuela, making deportations difficult. However, after a recent visit by a U.S. official, Venezuela may have agreed to accept deported citizens. The Venezuelan government has yet to confirm this agreement.