Trump DHS Terminates Temporary Protected Status For Venezuelans
Secretary Kristi Noem ends 2021 designation, citing national interest and border security concerns; over 250,000 affected.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the termination of the 2021 Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Venezuela, a decision that will impact more than 250,000 Venezuelan nationals currently residing in the United States.
The termination, announced by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem on September 3, 2025, will become effective 60 days after a notice is published in the Federal Register.
The 2021 TPS designation, which was set to expire on September 10, 2025, provided a temporary legal and work-authorized status to Venezuelans who had fled the humanitarian and political crisis in their home country.
The decision to terminate the program comes after a review of conditions in Venezuela by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in consultation with the Department of State.
A DHS spokesperson stated that the move was necessary to align with the Trump Administration’s broader immigration policies.
“Given Venezuela’s substantial role in driving irregular migration and the clear magnet effect created by Temporary Protected Status, maintaining or expanding TPS for Venezuelan nationals directly undermines the Trump Administration’s efforts to secure our southern border and manage migration effectively,” the spokesperson said. The statement further noted that after a comprehensive review of various factors, including public safety, national security, and economic considerations, it was determined that “allowing Venezuelan nationals to remain temporarily in the United States is not in America’s best interest.”
The termination means that Venezuelan nationals who were protected under the 2021 designation will lose their legal status and work authorization unless they have an alternative form of immigration relief. The DHS is encouraging those affected to use the U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP One app to report their departure from the United States. The program offers incentives for self-deportation, including a complimentary plane ticket, a $1,000 exit bonus, and potential future opportunities for legal immigration.
The decision is the latest action taken by the administration regarding Venezuelan TPS. An earlier 2023 TPS designation for Venezuelan nationals was terminated in April of this year, a decision that was upheld by the Supreme Court. The latest termination will likely face legal challenges from immigrant advocates and civil rights groups.
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