HISPANIC FEDERATION APPLAUDS BIDEN ADMINISTRATION'S EXPANSION OF TPS TO VENEZUELAN MIGRANTS

For Immediate Release: September 21, 2023

Contact: media@hispanicfederation.org

Following the Biden administration’s decision to redesignate Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status, Hispanic Federation President and CEO Frankie Miranda issued the following statement:

“On behalf of our more than 600 member organizations, the majority of which are providing aid to recent arrivals, we resoundingly applaud the Biden administration’s decision to redesignate Venezuela for temporary protected status.

Because of this decision, thousands of newly arrived asylum seekers will be protected from deportation and are one step closer to receiving work authorization that will allow them to provide for their families. The redesignation of TPS is real progress that addresses one of the many needs of newly arrived migrants.

This is an incredible win for our communities. These individuals have been admitted into the country, yet have been stranded in legal limbo with no real or timely opportunity to work – forcing them to rely on government shelters and food to barely survive. The only thing these individuals want is a chance to work hard to provide for themselves, their families, and contribute to society. With this redesignation, Venezuelans who have found sanctuary in the United States will now have this opportunity.

Not only is this the proper humanitarian response, but this policy is also fiscally responsible and will strengthen our economy. With the current labor shortage, this redesignation will allow thousands of new workers to participate in our workforce.

We caution, there are still thousands of individuals and families who have escaped civil strife, violence, persecution, and other horrors who deserve the same protections and the opportunity to legally work to provide for themselves and their families.

We urge the Biden administration to use this momentum to expedite work authorization and protect even more families who want nothing more than to be self-sustaining. At the same time, nonprofit organizations need additional resources to support asylum seekers who are on their journey towards asylum. With greater coordination, we can ensure that our new neighbors have what they need to thrive in our country and strengthen our economy and society.”