Washington: Venezuelans in the United States who once held temporary protected status (TPS) can now apply for asylum, announced Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
According to Anadolu Agency - English, Noem revealed on the Fox News Sunday program that every individual who was under TPS now has the opportunity to apply for refugee status, a process that will move forward. This comes after Noem's decision last year to terminate TPS for approximately 600,000 Venezuelan migrants, a protection initially granted by the former Biden administration.
The US will continue its policy of deporting criminals to face consequences in their home country, Noem stated. In a related development, President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that US military action has led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, first lady Cilia Flores. Trump further pledged to maintain American control over Venezuela for the time being, with US troops if necessary.