Venezuelans at Risk: Trump Ends Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

The government of Donald Trump has decided to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for more than 300,000 Venezuelans in the United States, putting them at risk of deportation in the coming months. This information was revealed by The New York Times after obtaining official documents.

A Measure That Continues the Line of His First Term

Since his first administration, Trump has attempted to eliminate TPS for migrants from several countries, including Sudan, El Salvador, and Haiti. However, federal courts blocked those attempts due to the way they were implemented. Now, the administration has decided to make the changes immediately, removing protection just 60 days after the official publication of the measure.

Why Is TPS Being Revoked?

Today, I am revoking Joe Biden’s extension of Venezuelan Temporary Protected Status that Secretary Mayorkas forced through at the very end of the administration.

This program was abused, exploited, and politicized. No more immigration schemes that make Americans less safe. pic.twitter.com/lKIBksCJ9X

— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) January 29, 2025

The government notice explains that Venezuela no longer meets the requirements for TPS designation established in 2023.

“After reviewing the country’s conditions and consulting with government agencies, the Secretary of Homeland Security determined that Venezuela no longer meets the necessary conditions,” states the official communication.

Possible Consequences for Venezuelans in the U.S.

Currently, more than 300,000 Venezuelans had TPS until April. Although another group of 250,000 still retains their status until September, this decision could signal that they too may lose protection in the future.

With the elimination of TPS, the number of people without formal immigration status in the U.S. increases, at a time when Trump seeks to carry out mass deportations. Immigrant rights groups may file lawsuits to block the decision.

TPS Under the Biden Administration and the Change with Trump

TPS was created to protect migrants fleeing natural disasters or conflicts in their countries. In recent years, millions of Venezuelans have fled the crisis in their country, governed by Nicolás Maduro.

During Joe Biden’s presidency, the program grew significantly, reaching more than one million people in 2023, according to U.S. Congressional data. In fact, in January of this year, the Biden administration extended TPS for Venezuelans for an additional 18 months, arguing that conditions in Venezuela remain critical.

However, Trump has chosen to reverse that decision, stating that TPS is no longer necessary and is not aligned with the interests of the United States. This measure was authorized by Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security, who asserted that the extension was not justified.

What’s Next for Venezuelans in the U.S.?

With the revocation of TPS, thousands of Venezuelans face an uncertain future. The Trump administration may continue taking steps to tighten immigration policies, while activists and lawyers prepare potential legal challenges.

In contrast, just a few weeks ago, the Biden Department of Homeland Security highlighted that Venezuela is facing a severe and multidimensional humanitarian crisis, with problems affecting all aspects of life in the country.

Now, the elimination of TPS leaves thousands of people who have built their lives in the United States in limbo and at risk of being forced to return to a country in crisis.