Venezuela TPS Act of 2025

Bill Number

H.R. 3310

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Immigration

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-05-08: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Last Updated

2026-07-10T08:05:54Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The Venezuela TPS Act of 2025 aims to provide temporary relief to Venezuelan nationals in the United States by designating Venezuela as a country eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) under the Immigration and Nationality Act. TPS is a temporary immigration benefit that protects eligible individuals from deportation and allows them to work legally in the U.S. during periods of unsafe conditions in their home country, such as armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary circumstances.

Key Provisions

• Designation of Venezuela for TPS: Venezuela is treated as if it were designated under the relevant section of the Immigration and Nationality Act for an initial 18-month period starting from the date the Act is enacted.
• Eligibility Criteria: Venezuelan nationals are eligible if they:
• Have been continuously physically present in the U.S. since the enactment date.
• Are generally admissible as immigrants (with exceptions for certain grounds like criminal history, as outlined in the law).
• Are not ineligible due to security or other bars under the law.
• Register for TPS through a process set by the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS).
• Travel Permissions: DHS must allow eligible TPS holders to travel abroad briefly for emergencies or extenuating circumstances beyond their control. Upon return, they are treated like other TPS beneficiaries.
• Application Fee: A $360 fee is required for TPS applications under this designation, but DHS can waive it for those who demonstrate financial need.
• Budgetary Compliance: The Act's costs must align with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, with effects determined by a specific congressional budget statement.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This Act introduces a congressional mandate for TPS designation, which overrides the typical executive branch process where the DHS Secretary decides on TPS based on country conditions. Instead, it directly deems Venezuela eligible without requiring an executive determination.
• It specifies an automatic 18-month initial period, potentially streamlining approvals compared to case-by-case executive extensions or redesignations.
• The fee and waiver provisions build on existing TPS rules but apply specifically to this congressional designation.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: DHS will handle increased application processing, registrations, and travel authorizations, potentially straining resources but offset by collected fees. It also requires coordination with congressional budget reporting.
• On Citizens and Residents: Eligible Venezuelan nationals (estimated to be many already in the U.S.) gain deportation protection, work authorization, and temporary stability, allowing them to live and work legally without fear of removal during the 18-month period. This could benefit U.S. communities by enabling Venezuelans to contribute economically.
• On International Relations: The designation highlights U.S. recognition of Venezuela's ongoing crises (e.g., political instability and humanitarian issues), potentially strengthening U.S. ties with Venezuelan diaspora communities and signaling support for democracy in the region, while possibly straining relations with the Venezuelan government.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Venezuelan Nationals in the U.S.: Primary beneficiaries, including those fleeing hardship who may qualify for TPS.
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Responsible for implementation, including eligibility reviews and fee collection.
• Immigration Advocacy Groups and Legal Aid Organizations: Likely to assist with applications and monitor compliance.
• U.S. Employers and Communities: Could gain from a stabilized workforce of TPS holders in sectors like agriculture, construction, and services.
• Congressional Committees: The Judiciary and Budget Committees oversee referral and budgetary aspects.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal Implications: By mandating TPS, the Act limits executive discretion in immigration policy, potentially setting a precedent for Congress to intervene in humanitarian designations. It ensures compliance with existing TPS frameworks but adds specific eligibility tied to the enactment date, which could lead to litigation over "continuous presence" interpretations.
• Constitutional Implications: Aligns with Congress's constitutional authority over immigration (Article I, Section 8), reinforcing legislative power without conflicting with executive enforcement roles.
• Political Implications: Introduced with bipartisan sponsorship (Democrats and Republicans), it reflects cross-party consensus on addressing the Venezuelan crisis, but future extensions may depend on political shifts in Congress or the executive branch. The Act's focus on budget neutrality avoids fiscal controversies.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9]

Cosponsors (9)

Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27], Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-25], Rep. Wilson, Frederica S. [D-FL-24], Rep. Scanlon, Mary Gay [D-PA-5], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Garcia, Sylvia R. [D-TX-29], Rescom. Hernández, Pablo Jose [D-PR-At Large], Rep. Frankel, Lois [D-FL-22], Rep. Moskowitz, Jared [D-FL-23]

Recent Actions

• 2025-05-08: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-05-08: Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-05-08: Introduced in House
• 2025-05-08: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Venezuela TPS Act of 2025 — issued 2025-05-08 — PDF (4 pages)