US Offers Temporary Legal Status to Venezuelan Migrants

Hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan migrants in the US are rejoicing and thanking their lucky stars after the Biden administration offered them temporary legal status. This means Venezuelans will be able to work legally. 

Washington’s change of heart comes as the South American country has been grappling with political crisis, inflation, unemployment, natural disasters and food insecurity for quite some time now. This prompted thousands of Venezuelans to leave for the United States for a better future. 

Now, the US will again grant the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to about 472,000 Venezuelans who entered the country as of July 31, 2023.  It should be noted that about 242,700 Venezuelans have already qualified for temporary status. 

Relief for Venezuelans and American Cities

This is also relief for American states and cities which have been strained by the influx of migrants and are struggling to accommodate them. Alejandro Mayorkas, the Homeland Security Secretary, said the temporary status is for a period of 18 months. This is for those who already have temporary status because of Venezuela’s increased instability and lack of safety, as well as enduring humanitarian, security, political and environmental conditions. 

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The US administration will accelerate work authorizations for people who arrived into the country in January through a mobile app called CBP One, or via parole granted to Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans who have financial sponsors and arrive at the airport. The migrants will be granted work permits within 30 days. 

US Uses TPS for Migrants from Other Countries

The US has used TPS for migrants from other countries as well, like Ethiopia, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Sudan and Cameroon. It also uses TPS programs for migrants from Honduras, El Salvador and Nepal. 

However, this program has been criticized by Republicans who say it has been improperly used to give legal status to migrants, especially to those who entered the United States illegally. By using the TPS program, US officials hope to dissuade Venezuelan migrants from entering the country illegally. 

The administration said individuals arriving after July 31, 2023 will not be eligible for TPS.