Department of Homeland Security Extends Temporary Protected Status Registration Period for Venezuelan Applicants

Department of Homeland Security Extends Temporary Protected Status Registration Period for Venezuelan Applicants

Earlier this month, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a Federal Register Notice (FRN) that announced an extension of the initial registration period for new applicants under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Venezuela. As a result, the initial registration period has now been extended from 180 days to 18 months.

The Reason Behind the Extension

DHS determined that limiting the registration period to just 180 days may have placed a burden on those initial TPS applicants who aren’t able to file on time but would qualify for a TPS grant. This extension is in keeping with the humanitarian purpose of TPS and furthers an Executive Order goal of ensuring that USCIS reduces the “barriers that prevent immigrants from accessing government services available to them.” 

Eligibility for TPS Under Venezuela’s Designation

Only individuals who can prove continuous residence in the U.S. as of March 8, 2021, are eligible for TPS. Those seeking TPS must file an application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services within the 18-month registration period. Applicants may also seek Employment Authorization Documents if desired, as well as travel authorization. Every person who applies for TPS undergoes security and background checks as part of their eligibility determination.

We’re Here to Help

While DHS refers anyone planning to seek protected status to the Federal Register Notices for more details, they can be challenging to understand. Luque Law Firm, P.A., is an immigration attorney in Naples specializing in representing clients applying for residency. Every member of our practice has experience with the immigration process, so we know how stressful the experience can be. 

While the FRN regarding Venezuela is designed to protect those individuals and families forced to flee their home country due to the ongoing crisis, you’ll still want to make sure that every step is followed correctly. So, give us a call at (239) 986-1196, and let us guide you through the process to ensure that your application is successfully received.