The bipartisan “Venezuela TPS Act of 2025” has been introduced by Congress members Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27), Darren Soto (FL-09), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25). The legislation aims to grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Venezuelans currently residing in the United States. Upon approval, it would automatically provide TPS for 18 months with a possibility of renewal, protecting nearly 600,000 Venezuelans from deportation.
Congresswoman Salazar stated, “The oppression of the Maduro regime and the total failure of 21st-century socialism have created dangerous conditions in Venezuela and a constant threat of political persecution. I am proud to co-lead this act to ensure that good Venezuelans can stay in the United States until conditions improve and avoid being sent back to a brutal dictatorship. I will continue fighting for a free and prosperous Venezuela led by its legitimate president Edmundo Gonzalez and Iron Lady Maria Corina Machado.”
Congressman Soto expressed concern over past attempts by the Trump administration to strip Venezuelans of TPS, parole, and other crucial protections during times of instability in their country. He emphasized that many Venezuelans have fled political violence to reunite with family in Central Florida, contributing positively to the economy. “It would be insulting to turn our backs on this group,” he said. “Now more than ever, we need to unite to protect our community from unfair treatment and unconstitutional deportations.”
Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz added her voice against subjecting hardworking Venezuelan families to what she described as a murderous regime violating human rights systematically. She noted that TPS beneficiaries are legally present in the U.S., emphasizing that those with criminal records do not qualify for protection. “I am proud to join this bipartisan effort to protect Venezuelan families in my district from unjust separation while continuing the fight for a free and prosperous Venezuela with democratic leadership,” she said.
Background information highlights severe issues under Nicolás Maduro’s authoritarian regime, including food shortages affecting half the population and an economic contraction exceeding 80% since 2014—double what the U.S. experienced during the Great Depression. Venezuela also suffers from high homicide rates within Latin America and the Caribbean.
Salazar represents approximately 40,000 Americans of Venezuelan descent in Florida’s District 27 and has been active in efforts against deportation until Maduro’s regime ends.
The legislation proposes automatic TPS designation for eligible Venezuelans for an initial period of 18 months with renewal options. Under TPS, individuals would be protected from deportation while receiving work authorization enabling them to pay taxes and contribute economically without shielding criminals; all applicants must pass strict background checks. The act also allows travel abroad under emergencies or extenuating circumstances.
Eligible individuals include those physically present in the U.S at law approval time without criminal records who properly register with Homeland Security.
For further details on eligibility criteria or full legislative text access is available online.
