ACLU Applauds TPS Redesignation for Venezuela

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration announced today that it will redesignate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuela, extending protections for migrants from the South American country that will allow hundreds of thousands of people who already live in the United States to reside and work here with legal authorization.

Anthony D. Romero, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union, had the following reaction:

“We applaud the Biden administration’s decisive action on TPS for Venezuela.

“For years, many Venezuelans fleeing violence and persecution have endured long journeys across half a continent, only to arrive to find the door to U.S. protection closed. Today, with the redesignation of TPS for Venezuela, hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans who have come to this country will be safe from deportation for now, and able to work to support their families and communities.

“This announcement is a critical victory in the fight for a more humane immigration system, and will bring real positive change to our communities and neighbors. It also brings a measure of relief to cities that have generously housed and supported families and individuals, including many from Venezuela, as they start their lives in the United States.”