DHS Terminates Venezuela’s 2023 TPS Designation: What It Means for Venezuelan Nationals

On February 5, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a notice in the Federal Register announcing the termination of Venezuela’s 2023 Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation. This decision comes 60 days before the designation expires on April 2, 2025. The termination will take effect 60 days from publication, meaning Venezuelan nationals under the 2023 designation will no longer have TPS protection after April 6, 2025.

Background: TPS for Venezuelans

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a form of relief granted to nationals of countries facing extraordinary conditions such as armed conflict, natural disasters, or other serious instability that makes returning unsafe.

Venezuela was first designated for TPS in March 2021, and subsequent extensions and redesignations were made due to ongoing humanitarian concerns. The most recent redesignation occurred on October 3, 2023, allowing newly eligible Venezuelan nationals to apply for TPS, which expires on April 2, 2025.

What Led to the Termination?

According to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, after reviewing the conditions in Venezuela and consulting relevant U.S. government agencies, it was determined that:

• Venezuela no longer meets the conditions required for TPS under the 2023 designation.
• Allowing Venezuelan nationals covered under the 2023 designation to remain temporarily in the U.S. is contrary to the U.S. national interest.
• This decision reverses a prior January 2025 extension issued under former DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

Who Is Affected?

This termination only applies to individuals who obtained TPS under the 2023 redesignation. Those who received TPS under the 2021 designation remain protected until September 10, 2025.

Key Points for Affected Venezuelan Nationals

• TPS under the 2023 designation will end on April 6, 2025.
• This means affected individuals will lose employment authorization and protection from removal after that date.
• The 2021 TPS designation remains in effect until September 10, 2025 for those who qualified under that earlier designation.
• Individuals whose TPS expires will return to the same immigration status they held before TPS (if still valid) or may need to explore other immigration options.

Next Steps for Venezuelan TPS Holders

Given the impact of this termination, Venezuelan nationals who currently rely on TPS should take immediate steps to explore available immigration options. These may include:

• Consulting an immigration attorney to assess legal alternatives.
• If eligible, apply for other relief forms, such as family-based petitions.
• Understanding employment authorization and the impact on work status after TPS ends.

The termination of the 2023 TPS designation for Venezuela marks a significant policy shift affecting thousands of Venezuelans in the U.S. While the 2021 designation remains in place until September 10, 2025, those who received TPS through the 2023 redesignation must now prepare for the upcoming expiration on April 6, 2025.

Final Thoughts

Affected individuals should stay informed through official DHS notices and consult qualified immigration professionals for legal guidance and updates.

👉 For more information, visit the official Federal Register notice: DHS Termination of Venezuela’s 2023 TPS.