Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a designation given to countries that have conditions that prevent nationals from returning safely or that cannot handle the return of nationals properly. For instance, if a country is suffering because of an environmental threat, epidemic, or armed conflict, the Secretary of Homeland Security may designate that country for TPS.
Once a country is designated for TPS, nationals of that country or those who last lived in the designated country can be granted TPS by completing an application. During the designation period, TPS beneficiaries are protected from being removed from the U.S. and are given employment authorization documents. Beneficiaries are also protected from being detained because of their immigration status.
TPS is not permanent, though; it is a temporary benefit as the country’s TPS designations (and thus beneficiary protections) only last for a period. TPS beneficiaries can apply for other, more permanent immigration benefits or protections or file for an adjustment of status on an immigration petition.
Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela
Venezuela was first designated for TPS in march 2021 because of the country’s economic and political crises; this designation was set to expire on September 9, 2022. However, Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas has extended the country’s TPS designation for 18 months. However, this continuation only applies to people who have been continuously residing in the U.S. since March 8, 2021. The extension of the existing TPS designation for Venezuela will become effective on September 10th, 2022, and USCIS reports that over 343,000 people are eligible to register for TPS for Venezuela.
Continuous residency can be proven by submitting evidence that proves when you began to live in the U.S. and that proves that you have continued to live in the U.S. Evidence can include (but is not limited to):
- Attestations from churches, unions, or other organizations
- Hospital records
- Rent deposit receipts
- School or employment records
Get Help from our Immigration Attorneys
At Hubbs Law firm, we have a strong focus on immigration law, and we are dedicated to helping our clients navigate their legal matters. We have experience representing clients in a wide variety of immigration matters, including but not limited to:
- Removal and deportation defense
- DACA Immigration
- Airport arrests
- Parole in place
- Motions to reopen
- Deferred inspections
- Naturalization and citizenship
- Family-based petitions
- Immigration bond hearings
To learn more about how we can help you, get in touch with our team by calling (305) 570-4802 or reaching out online.