The U.S. government will provide protection from deportation and access to work permits for nearly half a million Venezuelans currently in the country illegally.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sources announced the expansion of the already existing Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program to Venezuelans who have resided in the country continuously since July 31, 2023.

Venezuelans can enjoy TPS for a period of 18 months.

The DHS justified this measure, which could benefit 472,000 people, “due to the extraordinary and temporary circumstances in Venezuela that prevent people from returning safely.”

Previously, the program only benefited Venezuelans who arrived in the country before March 2021, numbering approximately 242,700 people.

Venezuelan migrant with her children in the US GETTY IMAGES

Overcrowded cities

“It is critical that Venezuelans understand that those who arrived here after July 31, 2023, are not eligible for such protections and will be deported if it is determined that they do not have a legal basis to remain,” DHS said in a statement declaration.

The announcement comes next the mayors of various American cities overwhelmed by the increase in migrant arrivals, the President of the United States, Joe Biden, has asked to facilitate newcomers’ access to work permits to relieve the burden on social services that help them.

In recent years, the Biden administration has used TPS on an “unprecedented scale”reported the American network CBS News, which expanded it to accommodate migrants from countries such as Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Haiti, Myanmar, Sudan and Ukraine.

In addition, the existing programs for citizens of El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Nepal were renewed. (JO)