Washington, DC–Yesterday, the Biden Administration announced that it would grant Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans already in the United States as of July 31, 2023. In response, below is a statement by Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive Director of The United States Conference of Mayors:
“America’s mayors applaud the Biden Administration’s announcement last night that it is extending and redesignating Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months. At our Annual Meeting in June, the Conference unanimously adopted policy calling for expanding the applicability of TPS to assist non-citizens to obtain work authorization. The Administration has heeded the mayors’ call.
“The adopted policy noted that mayors across the country have launched innovative and humane programs to support the newly arrived immigrants but that the ability to work is essential for asylum seekers and immigrant communities to obtain financial stability and independence. Through the action Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has taken, more than 470,000 Venezuelans may be eligible to obtain much needed work authorizations.
“Mayors recognize the invaluable contributions immigrants have made to our cities and our nation. They continue to be an integral part of our communities and play a critical role in the strength of our economy. For many years, Congress has failed to act on comprehensive, bipartisan immigration reform, leaving us with the migrant crisis we face today. Congress must act now so that migrants who come to our country can reach their full potential and contribute to the success of our cities and our nation.”