Biden extends protections for Venezuelans in U.S., rejects calls to go further

The Biden administration on Monday extended temporary protections to hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans living in the U.S., despite growing calls from dozens of immigrantion advocates and Democratic lawmakers pushing the administration to help protect a broader group of exiles.

Rather than heed those calls, the Department of Homeland Security announced it would only extend Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans already in the U.S. during March of last year, when the initial designation was granted. That leaves out an estimated 250,000 Venezuelans who arrived in the U.S. after TPS was granted, meaning they are ineligible for work permits and deportation protections through the program.

The decision comes after administration officials expressed concern that redesignating TPS to include more Venezuelans would incentivize more migration to the U.S. southern border and prompt more criticism from Republicans on the president’s handling of immigration policy ahead of the midterm elections.

“This action is one of many ways the Biden administration is providing humanitarian support to Venezuelans at home and abroad, together with our regional partners,” Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement. “We will continue to work with our international partners to address the challenges of regional migration while ensuring our borders remain secure.”

Immigration advocates, Democrats and Florida leaders were quick to welcome the extension, but also expressed their disappointment at the administration’s decision to leave out recently-arrived Venezuelan exiles.

“Plain and simple, the Biden administration made the wrong decision today and missed the opportunity to ensure the safety of thousands of Venezuelans fleeing the Maduro regime and reinforce its leadership and commitment in the Western Hemisphere,” said Sergio Gonzales, executive director of The Immigration Hub, referencing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

Biden officials were facing a deadline on Monday to decide whether to expand and extend the protections, which are set to expire in September. The TPS designation for Venezuelans will now run for an extra 18 months through March 2024.