Supreme Court Clears Path to End TPS for Venezuelans: What You Need to Know

What Is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a humanitarian program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It offers temporary legal status and work authorization to nationals of countries experiencing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or other extraordinary conditions that prevent safe return. TPS does not lead directly to permanent residency but provides a vital safeguard for those affected by crises.

What Led to the Supreme Court Decision on TPS?

Since returning to office in January 2025, President Trump has rapidly moved to dismantle several humanitarian protections, including Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans.

Here’s how it unfolded this year:

• January 2025: The Trump administration announced plans to terminate the 2023 TPS redesignation for Venezuelans, arguing that conditions no longer warranted protection.
• February 5, 2025: DHS officially declared the end of the 2023 TPS designation, with protections set to expire on April 7, 2025. This announcement did not affect those under the earlier 2021 designation, which remains valid until September 10, 2025.
• March 2025: Immigrant advocacy groups challenged the termination in federal court, arguing that the administration violated procedural requirements and endangered thousands of lives.
• May 19, 2025: The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear the appeal, allowing the lower court’s decision to stand. That ruling gave DHS full discretion to terminate TPS, effectively clearing the path for the Trump administration’s decision to proceed.

This Supreme Court action marks a turning point. It not only ends protections for many Venezuelans under the 2023 redesignation, but also sets a legal precedent: future TPS terminations may now face fewer judicial obstacles.

Who Is Affected?

The 2023 redesignation allowed an estimated 472,000 additional Venezuelan nationals (or individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Venezuela) to file initial TPS applications.

The Supreme Court's decision impacts those under the 2023 redesignation. Anyone who held TPS only under the 2023 redesignation is now out of status and potentially subject to removal proceedings if no other immigration status applies.

What Are Your Legal Options?

If you're a Venezuelan national affected by the impending end of TPS, it's crucial to explore alternative immigration pathways:

1. Asylum

If you fear persecution upon returning to Venezuela due to political opinion, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or race, you may be eligible for asylum. Asylum can lead to permanent residency and eventually citizenship.

2. Family-Based Adjustment of Status

If you have immediate relatives who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, you may qualify to adjust your status through family-based petitions.

3. Employment-Based Visas

Certain employment-based visas may be available if you possess specific skills or job offers. These include H-1B, L-1, or other specialized worker categories.

4. Special Immigrant Categories

You might be eligible under special categories such as the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), U visas for crime victims, or T visas for human trafficking victims.

5. Cancellation of Removal

If you're in removal proceedings, you may apply for cancellation of removal if you meet specific criteria, including continuous physical presence in the U.S. for at least 10 years and demonstrating that removal would cause exceptional hardship to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child.

Why Legal Assistance Matters

Navigating the complexities of immigration law in 2025 requires professional guidance. With TPS protections ending, timely action is essential to explore and secure alternative legal avenues. An experienced immigration attorney at Rozas can assess your unique situation and help you chart the best course forward.

Rozas Immigration Is Here to Help

At Rozas, we understand the challenges faced by Venezuelan nationals as TPS protections wane. Our dedicated team is committed to providing personalized legal solutions to help you remain in the United States legally.
Call us today for a free consultation.
‍

‍