Washington, DC – In response to a series of Department of Homeland Security announcements that include extending and redesignating Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), the #WelcomeWithDignity Campaign for asylum rights issued the following statement:

“The extension and redesignation of TPS for Venezuela is a critical step in the right direction that will protect hundreds of thousands of people seeking safety and allow them to contribute to the local community and support their families,” said Melina Roche, #WelcomeWithDignity Campaign Manager. “We also welcome the Biden administration’s accelerated processing of work permit applications filed by individuals who use CBP One at the southern border and those who enter via the Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan parole processes. Finally, we celebrate the extension of work permit validity to 5 years for certain populations, including people seeking asylum and those granted asylum. These are practical solutions that will bring stability to many. We commend the steadfast advocacy of #WelcomeWithDignity partners who fought for these solutions.

“We remain concerned by the administration’s plans to ramp up enforcement at the Southern border and continue expanding the Family Expedited Removal Management program (FERM). People seeking safety must have a fair opportunity to prepare for and present their cases.”