Biden administration grants work permits and protection to thousands of Venezuelan migrants in the US

The Biden administration has expanded temporary protected status (TPS) for Venezuela, allowing approximately 472,000 migrants to apply for work permits. This move comes after local leaders, including Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams of New York City, urged the White House to grant TPS to migrants from troubled countries. The change is estimated to impact around 60,000 Venezuelans in New York, enabling them to contribute to the local economy. Business groups and immigration advocates have supported this expansion, emphasizing that it will help migrants find employment and move out of shelters. The TPS designation applies to individuals who arrived in the United States on or before July 31 and cannot safely return to their home country due to armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. While Biden can expand TPS unilaterally, further action to address the immigration crisis lies with Congress.