White House Approves Deferral of Deportation for Venezuelans

On January 19, 2020, President Trump approved Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Venezuelan's present in the United States. Similar to Temporary Protected Status (TPS), the DED program offers recipients protection from deportation and the ability to obtain work authorization in the U.S.

The White House announced that DED will be offered to "any national of Venezuela, or alien without nationality who last habitually resided in Venezuela, who is present in the United States as of January 20, 2021." Individuals who have been convicted of a felony or multiple misdemeanors would not be eligible for DED. Individuals who are eligible and receive DED will be granted protection and work authorization for 18 months, which may be extended if the new administration extends the DED program prior to its expiration. Individuals who are in the process of applying for asylum can also apply for DED and work authorization immediately without impacting their asylum case.

The announcement, coming on President Trump's last full day in office, is a welcome relief to the approximately 200,000 Venezuelan citizens estimated to qualify for DED protection and work authorization. The full text of the memorandum can be found at: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/memorandum-deferred-enforced-departure-certain-venezuelans/.

For more information regarding the Deferred Enforced Departure program for Venezuelans, or assistance in applying for DED and employment authorization, please contact our office at info@mobilityim.com or by phone at (812) 578-8778.