Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated Sunday that Venezuelans currently residing in the United States under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are eligible to apply for refugee status. Noem made the announcement during an interview on Fox News Sunday, emphasizing the administration's commitment to ensuring the integrity of its immigration programs.

Noem indicated that the decision regarding the immigration status of Venezuelan nationals under TPS was part of a broader, administration-wide review process. She stated that the Department of Homeland Security would adhere to the outcome of this process. "Venezuela today is more free than it was yesterday," Noem said, suggesting an improving situation in the South American nation.

The TPS program provides temporary legal status to foreign nationals in the U.S. who are unable to return safely to their home country due to ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions. Refugee status, on the other hand, offers a pathway to permanent residency for individuals fleeing persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country.

The ability for TPS holders to apply for refugee status is not automatic and requires individuals to demonstrate a credible fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Noem also stressed the importance of having a cooperative leader in Venezuela who would partner with the U.S. to combat drug trafficking and terrorism. "We need a leader in Venezuela who will be a partner that understands that we're going to protect America to stop drug trafficking and terrorists from coming into our country," she said. This statement suggests that the administration's stance on Venezuelan immigration is linked to broader security concerns and geopolitical considerations.

The announcement comes amid ongoing political and economic instability in Venezuela, which has led to a significant outflow of Venezuelan migrants and asylum seekers in recent years. The potential impact of this policy shift on the number of refugee applications and the workload of USCIS remains to be seen. The policy change could also affect the number of Venezuelans seeking asylum at the U.S. border. Individuals granted refugee status are eligible to apply for a green card after one year of residence in the U.S.