U.S. Groups, Lawmakers Push for Venezuelan TPS After Earthquakes

A coalition of U.S. organizations and members of Congress are intensifying pressure on the Biden administration to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Venezuelan migrants in light of the recent earthquakes. This advocacy comes after the U.S. administration had previously moved to revoke TPS for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans. In October, the administration argued that the protection was "contrary to the national interest," stating that TPS is intended for countries facing extraordinary circumstances, not those returning to a state of "normality." However, the new emergency situation arising from the June 24 earthquakes has created a potential turning point. Advocates believe the disaster underscores the ongoing instability and hardship faced by many Venezuelans, making TPS a necessary humanitarian measure. The outcome of this renewed push could significantly alter the future for a large population of migrants residing in the United States.