Entendiendo el Memorando del 28 de enero de 2025, “Vacatur” sobre el Estatus de Protección Temporal para Venezuela (TPS Venezuela)

Angelica Rice • January 31, 2025

Click here to read this article in English

El 28 de enero de 2025, la Secretaría de Seguridad Nacional, Kristi Noem, anuló la decisión del 10 de enero de 2025 del anterior secretario, Alejandro Mayorkas, que había prorrogado la designación de 2023 del Estatus de Protección Temporal (TPS por sus siglas en inglés) para Venezuela y ordenó que se anulara su notificación del 17 de enero de 2025 que volvía a designar el TPS para Venezuela. Esta acción, comprensiblemente, ha causado confusión y preocupación entre los beneficiarios de TPS de Venezuela y aquellos con solicitudes pendientes.

Es fundamental aclarar que esto no significa que el programa de TPS para Venezuela ha sido eliminado. Por el contrario, el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS por sus siglas en inglés) ahora debe reconsiderar si volver a designar (extender) o terminar las designaciones anteriores de TPS para Venezuela de 2021 y 2023.

¿Qué significa el Vacatur?

Debido a que la extensión de TPS del 17 de enero de 2025 fue anulada, la designación de TPS válida más reciente para Venezuela sigue siendo la designación del 3 de octubre de 2023. El vacatur no afecta inmediatamente las protecciones de TPS para individuos cubiertos bajo las designaciones previas. Sin embargo, el DHS debe tomar decisiones clave en los próximos meses:

  • Antes del 1 de febrero de 2025, el DHS deberá decidir si prorroga o revoca la designación del 3 de octubre de 2023.


  • Antes del 12 de julio de 2025, el DHS deberá decidir si prorroga o revoca la designación del 9 de marzo de 2021.


  • Si el secretario no toma una determinación oportuna (por ejemplo, si el secretario no tomara una determinación antes del 1 de febrero de 2025 sobre si extender o terminar la designación del TPS de Venezuela de 2023), entonces el estatuto prevé una extensión automática de la designación por un período adicional de 6 meses. INA 244(b)(3)(C), 8 U.S.C. 1254a(b)(3)(C).


Hasta que se tomen estas decisiones, el TPS sigue en vigor bajo las designaciones anteriores, y aquellos a los que ya se les ha concedido el TPS no se ven afectados inmediatamente.

¿A quién afecta y qué debe hacer?

Titulares actuales de TPS

Si ya se le otorgó el TPS bajo las designaciones del 9 de marzo de 2021 o del 3 de octubre de 2023, su estatus sigue siendo válido. Debe continuar cumpliendo con todos los requisitos de reinscripción para mantener su protección y autorización de trabajo.

Período de reinscripción:

  • Los beneficiarios del TPS bajo las designaciones de 2021 y 2023 deben reinscribirse entre el 17 de enero de 2025 y el 10 de septiembre de 2025 para mantener su estatus legal y autorización de trabajo.


Individuos con solicitudes de TPS pendientes al 17 de enero de 2025

Si usted solicitó TPS antes del 17 de enero de 2025, bajo una designación previa, su solicitud continuará siendo procesada. Si su solicitud es aprobada, su protección de TPS permanecerá válida por lo menos hasta el 2 de abril de 2025. No es necesario volver a solicitarlo.

Personas que solicitaron el TPS entre el 10 de enero de 2025 y el 28 de enero de 2025

Si usted solicitó TPS durante este período, USCIS dejará de procesar sus solicitudes y emitirá reembolsos de cualquier tarifa pagada en asociación con esas solicitudes. Adicionalmente, USCIS invalidará los EADs; Formularios 1-797, Notificación de Acción (Notificación de Aprobación); y Formularios 1-94, Registro de Llegada/Salida (conocidos colectivamente como documentación relacionada con el TPS) que hayan sido emitidos con fecha de expiración del 2 de octubre de 2026 bajo la Notificación Mayorkas del 17 de enero de 2025.

¿Qué pasará después?

Dado el apoyo previo de la administración Biden al TPS, muchos esperan que el DHS extienda o reasigne a Venezuela para el TPS en lugar de terminarlo. Sin embargo, no se ha tomado una decisión final, y los ciudadanos venezolanos con TPS o solicitudes pendientes deben continuar siguiendo de cerca las actualizaciones.

¿Qué debe hacer ahora?

  • Si actualmente tiene TPS, continúe cumpliendo con todos los requisitos de renovación del TPS y manténgase al tanto de las próximas decisiones del DHS.


  • Si usted tiene una solicitud pendiente, revise las actualizaciones de USCIS regularmente y consulte con un abogado de inmigración para la orientación más reciente.


  • Si usted solicitó entre el 17 de enero de 2025 y el 28 de enero de 2025, busque asesoría legal para entender cómo el Vacatur puede afectar su solicitud.


Manténgase informado y obtenga orientación legal

Nuestra firma de inmigración está siguiendo de cerca estos acontecimientos y proporcionará actualizaciones tan pronto como el DHS tome su decisión. Si usted tiene preguntas acerca de su estatus de TPS o cómo este memorando afecta su caso, póngase en contacto con nuestra oficina hoy para una consulta.

Para más información, consulte el anuncio oficial del DHS sobre el Vacatur:

Vacatur of 2025TemporaryProtected Status Decision for Venezuela.


Este blog no pretende ser una asesoría legal y nada aquí debe interpretarse como el establecimiento de una relación abogado-cliente. Programe una consulta con un abogado de inmigración antes de actuar sobre cualquier información que aquí lea.

Angelica Rice

How Professional Athletes Can Immigrate to the United States: Visa Options for Champions and Competitors

By Shirin Navabi • June 12, 2025
The United States has long been a destination for the world’s most talented athletes—not only to compete at the highest level, but to access world-class training, coaching opportunities, and long-term career prospects. Whether on the field, in the ring, or across the chessboard, athletes from across the globe are finding immigration pathways that allow them to pursue their athletic and professional goals in the U.S. U.S. immigration law offers several visa and green card options designed specifically for individuals with extraordinary athletic talent. These include the P-1A visa for internationally recognized athletes, the O-1A visa for individuals of extraordinary ability, and the EB-1A immigrant petition, which can lead to permanent residency and ultimately, U.S. citizenship. The P-1A visa is commonly used by professional athletes coming to the U.S. to compete in a specific event or season. This applies not only to individual athletes but also to members of teams or clubs recognized internationally. It is widely used by soccer players, basketball players, MMA fighters, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors, and even elite chess players. Athletes must demonstrate a high level of international recognition and a record of performance in their sport. The O-1A visa is a strong option for coaches who demonstrate extraordinary ability, typically evidenced by championship titles, sustained winning records, or recognition as integral to their team’s success. To qualify, a coach must establish that their expertise places them among the small percentage of top professionals in their field. For athletes seeking permanent status in the U.S., the EB-1A immigrant petition —often referred to as the “extraordinary ability green card”—provides a direct path to lawful permanent residency. It requires clear documentation that the individual is among the very best in their sport and has achieved sustained national or international success. Unlike other green card categories, the EB-1A does not require employer sponsorship and can be self-petitioned. This has become a common path for MMA world champions, BJJ black belt medalists, Olympic athletes, and chess grandmasters—many of whom now represent the U.S. at the highest levels of international competition. It’s important to note that U.S. immigration law defines “athlete” broadly. Whether you are a professional football player in Europe, a sprinter from the Caribbean, a judoka, a gymnast, or a grandmaster in chess, your achievements may qualify under these categories if they are properly documented and presented. The key is a consistent record of excellence and recognition in your sport on a national or international scale. Our office specializes in these types of immigration matters. Whether you are an individual athlete looking to relocate or an organization seeking to bring international talent to your roster, we offer tailored legal strategies to support your goals. If you are exploring options to compete, train, or build your future in the U.S., we’re here to help you take the next step.

Understanding the Laken Riley Act: A Turning Point in U.S. Immigration Enforcement

By Denice Flores • June 5, 2025
In January 2025, the U.S. Congress passed the Laken Riley Act , marking a significant shift in immigration enforcement policy. The Act requires the Department of Homeland Security to detain certain non-U.S. nationals who have been arrested for theft-related offenses such as burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. Under this Act, the Department of Homeland Security must detain an individual who: (1) is unlawfully present in the United States or did not possess the necessary documents when applying for admission; and (2) has been charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or admits to having committed acts that constitute the essential elements of burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. The Act also authorizes states to sue the federal government for decisions or alleged failures related to immigration enforcement. It authorizes state governments to sue for injunctive relief over certain immigration-related decisions or alleged failures by the federal government if the decision or failure caused the state or its residents harm, including financial harm of more than $100. Specifically, the state government may sue the federal government over a: Decision to release a non-U.S. national from custody; Failure to fulfill requirements relating to inspecting individuals seeking admission into the United States, including requirements related to asylum interviews; Failure to fulfill a requirement to stop issuing visas to nationals of a country that unreasonably denies or delays acceptance of nationals of that country; Violation of limitations on immigration parole, such as the requirement that parole be granted only on a case-by-case basis; or Failure to detain an individual who has been ordered removed from the United States. The Act's stringent detention requirements may lead to increased fear and uncertainty within immigrant communities. Individuals who are merely accused of certain crimes could face mandatory detention. The Act may also affect legal immigration processes. Increased detention and deportation efforts could strain resources, potentially leading to delays in processing visas and asylum applications. Given the evolving legal landscape: Stay Informed and/or Seek Legal Counsel - Consult with your immigration attorney to understand how new laws and policies may affect your situation and if you or someone you know is facing immigration-related legal issues. Know Your Rights - Familiarize yourself with your legal rights, especially concerning interactions with law enforcement and immigration authorities. Community Engagement - Participate in community organizations that provide support and resources for immigrants, fostering a network of assistance and advocacy. If you have any questions or would like to consult with an experienced immigration attorney, contact our office to schedule a consultation.

ICE Issues OPT Warnings to F-1 Students for Unreported Employment

By Kris Quadros-Ragar • May 29, 2025
In a renewed wave of enforcement, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has started sending formal alerts to certain F-1 students participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT), flagging that their records reflect over 90 days without any reported employment. These students have been advised to update their employment status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) within 15 days. Failure to take timely corrective action may lead to the termination of the student's SEVIS record, effectively marking them as out of status, and may ultimately trigger removal proceedings. The notices are intended as a warning that students who do not comply with OPT reporting obligations are at risk of serious immigration consequences. Understanding OPT and Its Unemployment Limits Optional Practical Training (commonly referred to as “OPT”) is a work authorization benefit that allows eligible F-1 international students to gain hands-on experience in their field of study. Students may apply for pre-completion OPT (while still in school) or post-completion OPT (after graduation), typically for up to 12 months. Those with degrees in qualifying STEM fields may apply for an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving them a total of 36 months of work authorization in the U.S. To maintain valid F-1 status while on OPT, students must remain actively employed in a position related to their field of study. The amount of time a student may remain in the United States while on OPT without being properly employed is capped at: 90 days during the standard 12-month post-completion OPT, and 150 days for those on the STEM OPT extension, which includes any days of unemployment accrued during the initial OPT period. These unemployment limits are cumulative and enforced strictly through SEVIS monitoring. What Should F-1 Students Do? If you are an F-1 student on OPT or STEM OPT and receive a warning or are unsure about your compliance status, act quickly: Contact your Designated School Official (DSO) immediately to review and, if necessary, update your SEVIS record. Ensure all employment is properly documented and reported through your school’s international office. Do not ignore warning notices, as failure to respond may lead to SEVIS termination and potentially the initiation of removal proceedings. It is also advisable to consult with a qualified immigration attorney to explore available options and understand how enforcement actions may affect your status or future immigration plans. If you received a notice or have questions about your F-1 status, our attorneys are here to help you take the right steps to protect your future in the United States. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
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