How the temporary protection status works, which benefits more than 300,000 Venezuelans in the United States

President Joe Biden has kept his election promise and granted this Monday by decree to Venezuelans who are in the United States a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, which will allow more than 300,000 of them to come out of immigration limbo and be able to reside and work legally in the country.

The measure officially took effect Tuesday, when it was published in the Federal Register, the official government journal in which laws, regulations and public notices are published.

And as soon as it is published, interested Venezuelans will have 180 days to benefit from this program.

Below, all the necessary information on the TPS which benefits hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans who fled their country following the Chavist dictatorship.

What is TPS?

TPS indicates Temporary Protected Status or Temporary Protected Status in Spanish. The migration program was created in 1990, and with it, the United States grants extraordinary permits to immigrants from countries affected by warlike conflicts, natural disasters, epidemics or other conditions that do not guarantee the return of nationals. in their country of origin.. As the Secretary of the Department of National Security of the United States, Alejandro Mayorkas said: “The current conditions of life in Venezuela reveal a country in disorder, unable to protect its own citizens”.

Who does it benefit from?

Only Venezuelans who are already in the United States on March 8, 2021 will be able to benefit from it.

How does the process work?

On March 9, the registration period was opened, which ends on September 5, 2021. The person must apply for GST. Costs range from $ 50 for children under 14 to $ 545 for those also applying for a work permit. Coverage is extended until September 9, 2022.

What are the advantages of TPS?

If approved, the person cannot be deported or deported from the United States and is granted a work authorization for a specified period of time. Each family member must be eligible and apply independently to receive TPS benefits. It also allows travel authorization wherever it is needed. Once granted, the beneficiary can apply for a social security number.

How is DED different from TPS?

Deferred forced departure (DED) is an expulsion ban issued by decree of January 19, 2019. And the employment authorization is only valid until July 20, 2022, a period shorter than TPS. In addition, the DED is a presidential order and instead, TPS has a broader legal basis which is protected by law and expands the rights of the beneficiary.

What documents does the applicant need?

Documents proving identity and nationality (birth certificate, copy of passport, driver’s license or state identity card, etc.)

Evidence to demonstrate continued presence in the United States on the established date. (Tax records, leases, bank statements, insurance policies, invoices, medical records, school records, etc.)

Documents proving that you have never been arrested, accused or convicted of a crime.

Previous immigration application documents, notices, records, and supporting documents submitted or received by a US government agency.

Four passport size photographs on a white background.

Official information on TPS

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