What is Best for Venezuelans – Parole, TPS or Asylum?

Venezuelans have been Blandon Law asylum clients since we opened the law firm in 2002. Back then, they were fleeing the authoritarianism of President Hugo Chavez and asylum was the only protection. Families arrived and — a byproduct of remaining in the United States for years while immigration reviewed the asylum application — grew. Asylum was the only option then, even if it meant leaving parents and grandparents so children and grandchildren could breathe freedom.

Two months after Joe Biden became president of the United States in 2021, his administration granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Venezuelans. Better and faster than asylum, TPS gives Venezuelans travel permits to return to their homeland. Importantly, Immigration usually decides TPS cases in less than a year. The psychological relief of securing a family’s future in the U.S. cannot be overstated. You can build a business, buy a house, and plan for your children’s future. Temporary Protected Status is almost a green card for Venezuelans. In 2023, TPS was re-designated, meaning that Venezuelans who arrived in the country from March 2021 through July 2023 could also get TPS.

Now, Venezuelans are arriving with parole. Families continue growing as cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, all those who were denied a visitor visa before can now come to live in the United States legally. They can remain…or they can go back to their homeland. There is no “one size fits all” answer for every Venezuelan. Some clients apply for asylum, get TPS, and request parole for spouses and children. Others decide never to ask for asylum.

In these 20 years, my family has also grown. My eldest daughter has become an immigration attorney.  De tal palo tal astilla.  We look forward to guiding your family for the next 20 years.