DHS Ends Venezuela TPS Designation: What It Means for Immigrants in Houston
On September 3, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Venezuela, which was first granted in 2021, will officially expire on September 10, 2025. According to DHS, the termination will take effect 60 days after the official notice is published in the Federal Register, leaving thousands of Venezuelans in Houston and across the United States with an urgent decision to make about their immigration status.
For the many Venezuelan families who have built lives in Texas, particularly in Houston, this announcement is more than a policy change; it is a pivotal moment that could determine whether they can continue to live and work legally in the U.S.
What is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?
Temporary Protected Status is a humanitarian immigration program established under Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) §244. TPS allows individuals from designated countries experiencing extraordinary conditions, such as armed conflict, natural disasters, or severe political instability, to remain in the U.S. temporarily. Beneficiaries receive protection from deportation and may apply for employment authorization.
Venezuela was designated for TPS in 2021 due to the country’s political turmoil, economic collapse, and widespread humanitarian crisis. The designation was meant to provide temporary safety to Venezuelans who could not return home without facing serious risks to their health and security.
Why is TPS for Venezuela Ending?
Under INA §244, the Secretary of Homeland Security has authority both to designate and to terminate TPS. Termination is required when DHS determines that the conditions that originally justified the designation no longer exist, or that the situation has improved to the point where nationals can safely return.
In announcing the decision, DHS cited recent assessments that Venezuela’s conditions have shifted since 2021. The termination date of September 10, 2025, with a 60-day wind-down period, is meant to give beneficiaries time to prepare for the change and explore other legal options. Once TPS expires, work permits tied to this status will no longer be valid, and beneficiaries will lose protection from deportation.
The Impact on Venezuelans in Houston and Texas
Houston is home to one of the largest Venezuelan communities in the United States. Over the past decade, the city has welcomed thousands of Venezuelans who have contributed significantly to local industries, including energy, technology, healthcare, and service sectors. Many have also opened businesses, enriched the city’s cultural life, and supported family members both in Texas and abroad.
For families with children enrolled in Texas schools, and for workers supporting industries critical to the state’s economy, the end of TPS brings uncertainty. Without legal protection, Venezuelans risk losing not only their jobs but also their ability to remain in the U.S. without fear of deportation. The psychological burden of this transition is immense, and the urgency to act cannot be overstated.
Legal Alternatives After TPS Ends
Although TPS for Venezuela is ending, this does not mean that Venezuelan nationals in Houston are without options. Each case is unique, and legal counsel can help identify the best path forward. Some of the most common alternatives include:
Adjustment of Status
For those who qualify through a family petition (such as marriage to a U.S. citizen) or an employment-based petition, adjustment of status may provide a path to lawful permanent residency. However, eligibility depends on factors such as lawful entry, visa availability, and admissibility requirements.
Asylum and Withholding of Removal
Given Venezuela’s ongoing political and humanitarian situation, many Venezuelans may still qualify for asylum if they fear persecution on account of political opinion, membership in a particular social group, religion, or other protected grounds. Filing for asylum can protect from deportation and provide a work permit, though applicants must meet strict deadlines and evidentiary requirements.
Employment-Based Immigration Options
Texas, particularly Houston, continues to be a hub for industries like oil and gas, renewable energy, engineering, and technology. Venezuelan professionals with advanced degrees, specialized skills, or job offers from U.S. employers may qualify for employment-based visas such as the H-1B or EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW). These pathways require careful legal strategy and strong supporting documentation.
Other Humanitarian Relief
In certain cases, individuals may qualify for relief such as Deferred Action, U visas for victims of certain crimes, or humanitarian parole. Each of these programs comes with its own eligibility criteria and benefits, but they can provide important temporary protection and work authorization.
Preparing Now is Critical
With the expiration date approaching, Venezuelans in Houston should not delay seeking guidance. Waiting until after TPS ends may severely limit available options. The 60-day grace period following Federal Register publication is not long, especially given the processing times for most immigration applications. Early preparation can help prevent lapses in legal status and work authorization.
An experienced Houston Immigration Lawyer can assess your situation, explain which options may be available, and help you take timely action. Immigration law is highly complex, and DHS’s decision underscores the importance of making informed legal choices.
Contact BBA Immigration
At BBA Immigration, we understand how deeply this change impacts Venezuelan families and individuals in Houston. Our team has extensive experience guiding clients through transitions in immigration law, particularly in humanitarian and employment-based cases. We are committed to helping you explore every possible path to remain in the U.S. legally and securely.
If you or a loved one currently holds TPS for Venezuela, do not wait until the last minute. Contact BBA Immigration today to schedule a consultation and begin preparing for life after TPS.
Sources:
uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status
uscis.gov/laws-and-policy/legislation/immigration-and-nationality-act
uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-terminates-2021-designation-of-venezuela-for-temporary-protected-status
