The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelan nationals, effective September 10, 2025. This decision, spearheaded by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, will impact an estimated 268,000 individuals who have been granted protection from deportation and work authorization.
The DHS has cited a range of national interests, including public safety, national security, migration dynamics, immigration policy, economic factors, and foreign policy, as the rationale for this termination, asserting that it is "not in America's best interest." This significant policy shift occurs despite a recent ruling by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on August 29, 2025.
The appellate court affirmed a lower court's decision, concluding that the Trump administration likely acted unlawfully in a prior attempt to rescind TPS for approximately 600,000 Venezuelans. The court found that the DHS Secretary likely exceeded her authority in revoking the extension, emphasizing that the TPS statute was designed by Congress to be a predictable and dependable system, shielded from political influences.
The Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans was initially established in 2021 by the Biden administration, a response to the severe political and economic instability plaguing Venezuela. This designation followed a proclamation by then-President Donald Trump on January 20, 2021, which offered deportation protections to Venezuelans already residing in the U.S., citing the country's volatile governance.
The termination of the 2021 TPS designation means that affected individuals will forfeit their legal status and work permits within 60 days of the official Federal Register notice. In light of this termination, Venezuelan nationals are being advised by the DHS to utilize the CBP Home app to facilitate their departure from the United States. This program offers incentives, including a plane ticket and a $1,000 exit bonus.
The Trump administration has been actively reviewing and terminating TPS for various countries, arguing that the program has been subject to abuse and politicization. However, critics contend that this latest decision overlooks the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela and the valuable contributions of the Venezuelan community within the United States. The situation is subject to further legal scrutiny and potential challenges.