The Biden administration Monday extended temporary protection to Venezuelans living in the US, allowing those who qualify protection for an additional 18 months. The extension will be in effect from September 10, 2022, through March 10, 2024.

The extension originates with a designation from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) called a Temporary Protected Status (TPS). TPS designations allow the DHS to provide legal protection to a designated country’s nationals living in the US for a period of time. A TPS designation is typically extended when nationals cannot safely return to their home country. Examples of conditions include an ongoing armed conflict, an environmental disaster or an epidemic. When a TPS designation is declared, qualified nationals may apply for legal protections providing that they are not removed from the US and are able to obtain travel and employment authorization.

Venezuela was first designated for TPS in March 2021 when DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said the country was “in turmoil.” The original TPS also provided for 18 months of protection.

Commenting on the extension, Mayorkas said:

This action is one of many ways the Biden administration is providing humanitarian support to Venezuelans at home and abroad, together with our regional partners. We will continue to work with our international partners to address the challenges of regional migration while ensuring our borders remain secure.

The extension applies only to those already included in the current designation who have resided in the US since at least March 8, 2021. The DHS believes that approximately 343,000 individuals qualify under the extension.