DHS Ends the 2021 TPS Designation for Venezuela

Martha Arias — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:38:15 +0000

On September 3, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it is terminating the 2021 Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Venezuela. DHS’s press release notes the 2021 designation was set to expire on September 10, 2025, and states that the termination will take effect 60 days after the Federal Register (FR) notice is published (that notice has not yet posted at the time of writing). U.S. Department of Homeland Security

This follows DHS’s earlier action terminating the 2023 Venezuela TPS designation, which became effective April 7, 2025, per the official Federal Register notice. Practically, that means the “redesignated” 2023 cohort has already lost TPS; the September 3 announcement addresses the original 2021 cohort. Federal Register

USCIS’s Venezuela TPS country page also reflects these changes and provides running updates, including references to the February 2025 actions and court developments. Keep checking that page for post-announcement implementation details. USCIS

Key points at a glance

Announcement date: Sept. 3, 2025 (DHS press release). U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Which group is addressed? Individuals registered under the 2021 TPS designation for Venezuela. The 2023 redesignation was already terminated effective Apr. 7, 2025. Federal Register
Expiration vs. termination timing: DHS notes the 2021 designation “will expire on Sept. 10, 2025,” and also says termination takes effect 60 days after the forthcoming Federal Register notice. The FR notice will control the exact wind-down dates and any auto-extensions of documents; watch for it. U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Official status tracker: USCIS Venezuela TPS page. USCIS

Because TPS gives eligible nationals protection from removal and work authorization during the designation period, ending a designation has major implications for employment, travel, and overall lawful presence. DHS’s Sept. 3 statement frames the decision as a national-interest determination following interagency consultation—language you will see mirrored in the eventual Federal Register notice. U.S. Department of Homeland Security

What does this mean for you if you were in the 2021 TPS group?

Status & EAD timing will be set by the FR notice.
DHS’s press release previews the termination, but the Federal Register notice will spell out effective dates, any automatic EAD extensions, and instructions for employers and beneficiaries. Do not assume your work authorization has ended until the FR specifies it. U.S. Department of Homeland Security
The 2023 TPS registrants already lost TPS on April 7, 2025.
If you only qualified under the 2023 redesignation, TPS (and related EADs) ended April 7, 2025 per the FR. Federal Register
Continue to monitor USCIS’s country page and newsroom.
USCIS will post the FR link, FAQs, and any updates to filing or document validity there. USCIS

About “CBP Home” and voluntary self-departure incentives

DHS materials describe a “CBP Home” mobile app (a rebranding/expansion connected to CBP’s mobile app directory) that allows certain individuals to register intent to depart and coordinate travel. DHS and CBP pages state the program provides cost-free travel and a $1,000 “exit bonus” after confirmed return for those who use the app to voluntarily depart. If you are considering this path, get individualized legal advice before taking irreversible steps. U.S. Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs and Border Protection

DHS has also indicated that people who self-depart via the app may have failure-to-depart fines forgiven and that departing on your own terms can avoid detention and removal. However, this is not a grant of legal status or a promise of future immigration benefits. Your future eligibility (and any re-entry bars) depends on your personal history and applicable law. U.S. Department of Homeland Security

What To Do Next?

Verify your category (2021 vs. 2023) and your current document dates.
Watch for the Federal Register notice that implements the Sept. 3 announcement; it will set the exact legal timeline. U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Talk to an attorney about possible next steps (asylum, family-based options, employment-based filings, cancellation of removal, etc.) based on your unique history. Call Our Office (305-671-0018) or Send a Message
Do not travel internationally without individualized legal advice if your TPS/EAD is ending.
If considering voluntary departure via CBP Home, understand the consequences before you act. U.S. Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Conclusion

DHS has announced the end of Venezuela’s 2021 TPS designation, with the operative dates to be finalized by the Federal Register notice. The 2023 redesignation has already ended (April 7, 2025). If you’re affected, keep an eye on USCIS’s Venezuela page and the FR, and get personalized legal advice before making decisions—especially about work, travel, or voluntary departure programs described by DHS/CBP. U.S. Department of Homeland Security | Federal Register | USCIS

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) When exactly does TPS end for the 2021 Venezuela group?
DHS says the 2021 designation “will expire on Sept. 10, 2025,” and also that termination takes effect 60 days after the FR notice is published. Because the FR notice controls implementation, wait for the FR to confirm the precise dates and any wind-down instructions. U.S. Department of Homeland Security

2) I was approved under the 2023 redesignation. Do I still have TPS?
No. The 2023 designation ended Apr. 7, 2025, per the FR. If you only qualified under that redesignation, TPS and related benefits have already ended. Federal Register

3) Will there be automatic extensions of EADs?
Possibly, but only if the FR notice provides them. Automatic extensions (if any) are always spelled out in the FR. Check USCIS’s country page and the FR once posted. USCIS

4) Can I apply for another status now (asylum, family-based, employment-based, etc.)?
TPS termination does not bar you from seeking any separate, available immigration benefits. Eligibility is case-specific; consult a qualified attorney. (General guidance: watch USCIS program pages and any FR updates tied to your category.) USCIS

5) Is “CBP Home” real, and what does it offer?
DHS/CBP pages describe “CBP Home” as a voluntary self-departure pathway featuring cost-free travel and a $1,000 exit bonus upon confirmed return. Read the fine print and get legal advice; departures can trigger re-entry bars and other consequences. U.S. Department of Homeland Security | U.S. Customs and Border Protection +1

6) If I self-depart, does that guarantee I can come back legally later?
No. Some DHS statements suggest self-departure may “preserve the opportunity” to seek lawful return in the future, but there is no guarantee. Future eligibility depends on your case and the law at that time. U.S. Department of Homeland Security

7) Where will the official termination details appear?
In the Federal Register. USCIS will also update its Venezuela TPS country page and the newsroom with links and instructions. Federal Register | USCIS

Disclaimer

This post is general information, not legal advice. Immigration law changes frequently, and the Federal Register notice will control exact timelines and document validity. If you are affected by TPS changes, consult a qualified immigration attorney about your specific situation before you make decisions about work, travel, or departure.

DHS press release (Sept. 3, 2025): https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/09/03/dhs-terminates-2021-designation-venezuela-temporary-protected-status

USCIS newsroom note (Sept. 3, 2025): https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/dhs-terminates-2021-designation-of-venezuela-for-temporary-protected-status

Federal Register – Termination of 2023 Venezuela TPS (effective Apr. 7, 2025): https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/02/05/2025-02294/termination-of-the-october-3-2023-designation-of-venezuela-for-temporary-protected-status

USCIS – TPS: Venezuela (country page): https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/temporary-protected-status/temporary-protected-status-designated-country-venezuela

CBP Home (DHS overview page): https://www.dhs.gov/cbphome

CBP mobile apps directory – CBP Home: https://www.cbp.gov/about/mobile-apps-directory/cbphome

CBP media release mentioning self-departure incentives: https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/national-media-release/cbp-announces-new-cbp-link-mobile-app

DHS statement on forgiving failure-to-depart fines for self-deporters: https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/06/09/dhs-announces-it-will-forgive-failure-depart-fines-illegal-aliens-who-self-deport

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