Illinois Venezuelans Could Soon Lose Deportation Protections

 Posted on March 28, 2025 in Immigration

In the coming weeks, tens of thousands of Venezuelans living and working in Illinois could find themselves at risk of deportation. The current administration has said it will halt the 2023 Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuela on April 7th. Without temporary protected status, many of these individuals will be left without legal status, resulting in the loss of work permits and any financial assistance they are currently receiving.

Immigration as a whole is currently in a state of flux, making it difficult for those who are here lawfully or unlawfully to know what is best. If you or a loved one came to the U.S. under the 2023 TPS designation, you may be extremely anxious about your future. It can be very helpful to speak to a knowledgeable Itasca, IL immigration lawyer.

What Is Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans?

Temporary protected status is a designation given to immigrants from countries it believes are too dangerous to humanely return their citizens. Those who arrived in the U.S. by a specific date were able to apply for protection from deportation. The last administration had extended the 2023 TPS Venezuela designation for an additional 18 months, to expire in October 2026, a date that the current administration changed to next month.

A spokesperson at the Department of Homeland Security said that Venezuela is no longer as dangerous as it was, thanks to improvements in criminal activity, healthcare, and the economy. Others point to political unrest in the country, which has resulted in political instability and violence.

A Venezuelan business owner in Chicago said she and her family came to the U.S. in 2014, starting a restaurant in the city. They now have three locations, and while this business owner has TPS status until September, she is anxious for family, friends, and employees who came to America on the 2023 designation – and concerned for the two children she and her husband have had since coming to the United States.

Are There Alternatives to Temporary Protected Status?

Depending on your individual situation, there may be alternatives to TPS status. If you lawfully entered the United States and have a child, spouse, or parent over the age of 21 who is a permanent resident or United States citizen, you could potentially be able to apply for U.S. residency without a waiver. If you have a spouse or parent who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident but did not enter the U.S. lawfully, you could apply for an immigrant visa.

If you entered the U.S. unlawfully, a waiver for that unlawful entry can be applied for, and then you can travel to your home country for an immigrant visa interview. Once the immigrant visa is obtained, you can return to the U.S. legally and receive permanent residency status. If you entered the U.S. unlawfully but have a child over the age of 21 and a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency status. If you have an employer who you believe would be willing to sponsor you, you may be able to apply for residency through that employer.

If you fear returning to your home country, you could possibly apply for asylum, although that program is also being cut. If you have been in lawful status (like TPS), you can apply for asylum within six months of when TPS status terminates. If you are the victim of a crime, you may possibly apply for a U-visa so long as you substantially suffered as a result of the crime, you reported the crime, or you have helped the police investigate the crime.

Contact a DuPage County, IL Immigration Lawyer

The very best thing you can do for yourself and your family right now if your immigration status is not absolute, is to speak to an Itasca, IL, immigration attorney from Unzueta Law Group, P.C.. We are a local family firm with more than 20 years of experience in immigration law. Call 630-509-2363 to schedule an initial meeting with an experienced attorney. Se Habla Español.