Immigration Services adds help to Venezuela refugees

Catholic Charities’ Immigration Services team is now able to assist Venezuelans filing for Temporary Protection Status (TPS).

The Department of Homeland Security announced March 8 the designation of Venezuela for TPS for 18 months, effective March 9, 2021, through Sept. 9, 2022. According to the DHS, approximately 323,000 Venezuelans in the United States will be able to apply for protection from deportation and work authorization.

Helping Venezuela nationals

Immigration Services can help Venezuela nationals, and those without nationality who last habitually resided in Venezuela, understand the criteria and procedures necessary to submit an initial TPS application and apply for an Employment Authorization Document. They also can help people with Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) and how to apply for DED-related EADs.

Make an appointment

David Osio, program director, said that cost of the initial consultation fee is $55 and the fee for assistance with the TPS is $360. Immigration Services is open from 8 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m. Monday through Friday; all meetings are by scheduled appointment.