Republican Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar expressed her "deep disappointment" on Monday following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to allow the government to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for over 350,000 Venezuelans. This ruling revives the immigration agenda of the Donald Trump administration, which had filed the appeal leading to the court's decision.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, Salazar emphasized, "We cannot send innocent people back into the hands of a narco-terrorist," referring to Nicolás Maduro. She also urged former President Trump to provide Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Venezuelans and those benefiting from the humanitarian parole program. However, both analysts and citizens interpret her comments as an attempt to distance herself from a political decision supported by her own party.
The Supreme Court's ruling favored an emergency request made by the Trump administration to overturn a TPS extension that had been approved during the Joe Biden administration. Originally set to expire in 2026, the new decision could lead to the program's termination this year.
Salazar has faced contradictions on this issue. In April, she was corrected by social media users after claiming credit for the TPS extension as a personal achievement. Her post was flagged on X, with added context clarifying that the measure resulted from a court order blocking Trump's attempts to dismantle the program.
Earlier in May, Salazar introduced a bipartisan bill to reinstate TPS for Venezuelans for 18 months. Although this gesture was welcomed by some immigrant groups, it did not erase the criticism she faced for supporting a party consistently aiming to restrict immigration benefits.
The Supreme Court is also expected to review another Trump administration appeal to nullify the humanitarian parole benefiting migrants from Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua. The TPS, which has been in effect since 2023, protects hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans in the U.S., granting them work permits. Without this protection, many could find themselves facing deportation and legal uncertainty.
Salazar's public stance highlights a stark contrast with her political party's role in this issue. While she criticizes the judicial outcome, she omits the fact that it was her party that initiated the legal offensive now leaving thousands of Venezuelans in an immigration limbo.
Venezuelan TPS and Legal Implications
What is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a designation by the U.S. government that provides temporary legal status and work authorization to nationals of certain countries experiencing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary conditions.
Why is the Supreme Court's decision significant for Venezuelans?
The Supreme Court's decision is significant because it allows the U.S. government to revoke TPS for Venezuelans, potentially leaving over 350,000 individuals without legal protection or work permits, and at risk of deportation.
What are the potential consequences of ending TPS for Venezuelans?
Ending TPS for Venezuelans could result in many losing their legal status and work authorization, pushing them into an uncertain legal situation and increasing their risk of deportation.