Noem Says Venezuelans Under TPS May Apply for Refugee Status

By: Christopher Louissaint |Haitian Prime News|January 4, 2026|Washington, D.C.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated on Friday that Venezuelan nationals currently protected under Temporary Protected Status may apply for refugee or asylum protections if they meet legal eligibility requirements, clarifying the administration’s position as immigration policies undergo renewed scrutiny.

Speaking during a congressional hearing, Noem emphasized that TPS is not a permanent immigration solution but a humanitarian designation intended to offer temporary relief to individuals unable to safely return to their home country. She noted that Venezuelans who fear persecution based on political opinion, nationality, or other protected grounds have the right to pursue refugee or asylum claims through established legal channels.

The statement comes amid growing uncertainty within Venezuelan migrant communities in the United States, as policymakers debate the future of TPS designations and broader immigration reforms. More than half a million Venezuelans currently benefit from TPS, which allows them to live and work legally in the country while conditions in Venezuela remain unstable.

Advocacy groups warn that confusion around TPS renewals and alternative legal pathways has left many migrants vulnerable to misinformation and exploitation. Immigration attorneys continue to urge TPS holders to seek qualified legal guidance before filing asylum or refugee applications, as approval standards are significantly higher and cases are individually assessed.

The Department of Homeland Security has not announced changes to Venezuela’s current TPS designation but reiterated that existing protections remain in effect while policy discussions continue.

Sources:

-U.S. Department of Homeland Security

-Congressional hearing transcript

-Associated Press

-Reuters