A recent decision from the U.S. Supreme Court may significantly impact the immigration status and work authorization of thousands of Venezuelan nationals currently in the United States under the 2023 Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation.
What Just Happened?
On May 19, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court granted an emergency request by the federal government to pause a lower court ruling that had temporarily blocked the termination of TPS for Venezuela. This effectively removes the legal stay that had protected the 2023 TPS designation — allowing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to move forward with its termination.
- TPS protections under the 2023 designation are now at risk.
- TPS under the 2021 designation remains valid through September 10, 2025.
Who Is Affected?
- Venezuelans with TPS granted under the 2023 designation may lose legal status and employment authorization immediately.
- Those under the 2021 TPS designation are not impacted by this ruling — for now.
What Should Individuals Do Now?
If you or someone you know is affected by this decision, we recommend the following:
- Schedule a Legal Consultation:
Speak with an immigration attorney to explore alternate forms of relief such as:- Asylum
- Family-based petitions
- Employment-based sponsorship
- Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
- Humanitarian parole or deferred action
- Preserve Evidence:
Maintain copies of TPS-related documents, employment authorization cards, and any USCIS communications. Consider saving and printing the current USCIS guidance online. - Stay Informed:
Regularly check the official USCIS I-9 Central website for employment eligibility verification updates.
Important Employer Considerations
As of now, no specific employer guidance has been issued by USCIS regarding Form I-9 verification for impacted TPS holders.
Employers should:
- Assess the potential impact on staffing.
- Monitor developments on USCIS.gov and I-9 Central.
- Prepare for any future changes in compliance requirements.
Need Legal Help? Contact NPZ Law Group
We are closely monitoring this case and remain committed to supporting our clients through these complex immigration developments.
Contact Information
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.