AILA Welcomes Biden Administration’s Continued Efforts to Ensure Immigration Policies Meet America’s Needs

Washington, DC - The American Immigration Lawyers Association welcomed the announcement of several important updates to immigration policy, including the extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status for nationals of Venezuela.

AILA President Farshad Owji stated, “First and foremost, we applaud the administration for recognizing the dire conditions in Venezuela which preclude the safe return of Venezuelan nationals. By extending and redesignating TPS for Venezuela, the administration is using a statutory authority intended to offer a lifeline to those already in the United States who cannot return to their home countries due to ongoing armed conflict, dangers from natural disasters, or other humanitarian crises. Venezuelan nationals who arrived prior to July 31, 2023, will be eligible to apply for TPS, which will allow them to feel safe for the next 18 months. TPS offers them the chance to work and build community, adding to our shared prosperity.”

Benjamin Johnson, AILA Executive Director, added, “In addition to the important news on Venezuelan TPS, the administration has correctly identified several areas that executive authority can be used to streamline work authorization processes. This announcement includes the welcome news that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will increase the length of time that many work permits are valid to five years to ensure that eligible individuals can continue to work despite agency processing delays. While AILA welcomes these smart and reasoned changes, we urge Congress to do what only it can do: reform our decades-old immigration laws and build a system that meets the needs of the American economy and our communities in the 21st century. The current laws hamper growth, harm families, and hold back our future. We can and must do better.”