WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is terminating protections for around 350,000 Venezuelans, giving them just two months before losing their right to work in the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s order affects 348,202 Venezuelans with Temporary Protected Status set to expire in April, about half of those under protection. The remaining protections will end in September.
The notice of termination will be published Wednesday and enforced 60 days later. This move is part of the administration’s efforts to crack down on illegal immigration and carry out mass deportations. Temporary Protected Status was created in 1990 to prevent deportations to countries facing disasters or civil strife, allowing work authorization for up to 18 months. Around 1 million immigrants from 17 countries are protected by TPS, with Venezuelans being a major group.
The Department of Homeland Security cited improved conditions in Venezuela as reason for ending protective status. Noem also mentioned concerns over the use of TPS to allow immigrants without an approved pathway to stay in the U.S. The decision pointed out issues with Venezuelan gang members coming to the country.
President Trump has long criticized the TPS system and the dangers posed by certain immigrant groups. Critics argue that renewal of TPS status becomes automatic regardless of the situation in the immigrants’ home countries. Noem’s predecessor extended protections for Venezuelans until 2026, but she has now revoked that decision.
The U.S. lacks diplomatic relations with Venezuela, complicating deportation efforts. The administration aims to expedite deportations to Venezuela. Trump’s envoy recently met with President Maduro, leading to the release of American prisoners. Trump claims Venezuela agreed to repatriate its citizens, potentially resolving the deportation issue.
Similar attempts to end TPS for other countries were met with legal challenges. The termination notice for Venezuelans was first reported by The New York Times.
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