Statement

“The Biden administration’s decision today to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans residing in the United States is a long-awaited, lifesaving move.

Until the end of the Trump administration, Venezuelans were denied protection despite strong Congressional support and U.S. opposition to the Maduro regime. The need for protection is clear: since 2017, Venezuelans have filed more affirmative asylum claims than any other nationality group in the United States. Recently, a growing number of Venezuelans have also sought protection at the U.S-Mexico border.

Venezuela is facing a tragic humanitarian emergency that has displaced more than 5 million people who have little hope to return in the near future. For Venezuelans in the United States, TPS will provide urgently needed protection from deportation and permission to work so that Venezuelans can live securely.

Given the gravity of the situation, Refugees International urges Congress to provide routes to permanent status to Venezuelans.”

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Sarah Sheffer at ssheffer@refugeesinternational.org or +1 202 540 7029.