HR3310-119

What This Bill Does

The Venezuela TPS Act treats Venezuela as designated for Temporary Protected Status under INA section 244(b)(1)(C). The initial designation lasts 18 months beginning on enactment. Venezuelan nationals can qualify if they have been continuously physically present in the United States since enactment, are admissible as immigrants except for ordinary TPS exceptions, are not barred by TPS ineligibility rules, and register in the manner DHS sets. DHS must provide prior consent to brief temporary travel abroad when the TPS holder shows emergency and extenuating circumstances beyond the holder's control. DHS may charge an additional $360 TPS application fee for people eligible only because of this designation, but must allow fee waiver applications. Budgetary effects are determined under the House Budget Committee PAYGO statement if submitted before passage.

Who Benefits and How

Venezuelan nationals in the United States benefit from temporary protection from removal and work authorization eligibility during the 18-month designation. Venezuelan families benefit if TPS lets relatives remain lawfully present and work while conditions in Venezuela remain unsafe. Employers of Venezuelan TPS holders benefit from a more stable authorized workforce. Immigration legal service providers benefit from a clear statutory registration and eligibility framework for clients.

Who Bears the Burden and How

DHS immigration staff must create registration procedures, process applications, adjudicate eligibility, handle travel consent, and administer fee waivers. USCIS fee offices must collect the additional $360 fee or process waiver requests. Applicants must prove continuous physical presence, admissibility, and absence of TPS bars. Federal budget offices must score the bill under the applicable PAYGO statement.

Key Provisions

• Designates Venezuela for TPS for an initial 18-month period beginning on enactment.
• Requires Venezuelan nationals to be continuously physically present since enactment and to register with DHS.
• Authorizes prior consent for brief emergency travel abroad under TPS travel rules.
• Allows DHS to charge a $360 application fee while permitting fee waiver applications.