DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has announced the end of temporary humanitarian protections for around 350,000 Venezuelans, stating that conditions in Venezuela no longer warrant such status. This decision reverses an extension made by the Biden administration, citing improvements in public health and crime. Critics worry this may force many back to a regime from which they fled. The memo suggests that keeping these individuals is seen as contrary to national interests, a stark departure from previous protections established under the Trump administration.
Noem acknowledged that Venezuela is still struggling with many of the issues the Biden administration raised, but she said there were 'notable improvements in several areas such as the economy, public health, and crime.'
The Secretary has determined it is contrary to the national interest to permit the covered Venezuelan nationals to remain temporarily in the United States.
The Biden administration had extended their protections through fall of 2026, citing extreme poverty and economic and political crises.
Noem wrote that conditions in Venezuela 'no longer' met the criteria for its citizens to qualify for temporary protected status.
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