Soto Celebrates First Anniversary of Venezuela Being Designated Temporary Protected Status by Biden Administration
On March 8, 2021, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas announced that eligible Venezuelans currently residing in the United States could apply for TPS
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) released the following statement to commemorate the first anniversary of Venezuela being designated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) by the Biden Administration.
"One year ago, President Joe Biden delivered justice to hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans in Florida and across the nation. Until political stability and food security are restored, and economic recovery is underway, designating Venezuela for TPS is the best way to show our support for those fleeing the oppressive Maduro regime. I commend the administration for doing the right thing and look forward to working together to find a more permanent solution for Venezuelans in need of refuge."
Political instability caused by the Maduro regime has led to massive food and medicine shortages, 94% of the population living in poverty, 60% of the population suffering from food insecurity, and a crippling economy. When the Executive Order was signed last year, it designated Venezuela for TPS for 18 months, until September of 2022. More than 70% of eligible Venezuelans have applied to receive this benefit.
Last week, the White House issued a notice on the "Continuation of the National Emergency with Respect to Venezuela" highlighting that Venezuela continues to erode human rights, persecute political opponents, curtail press freedoms, and more.
"One year after the Biden-Harris Administration designated TPS to Venezuelans in the United States, the network of Casas de Venezuela and other NGOs ratify their gratitude to the president and other fundamental personalities for this achievement. We thank Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas and TPS champion Representative Darren Soto, as well as Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart, Val Demings, Stephanie Murphy, and Debbie Wasserman Schultz – who together with a huge group of Casas de Venezuela across the nation fought for six long years to attain this achievement started in Orlando, Florida in April of 2015. For now, the objective is to extend the benefit to those Venezuelans who arrived on or before December 31, 2021," said Casa De Venezuela – Orlando Founder William Diaz.
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