LULAC: ENDING VENEZUELA TPS TONIGHT PUTS HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS AT RISK AND DEMANDS IMMEDIATE ACTION
Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Urges Federal Clarity and Community Vigilance as Protections Expire
WASHINGTON, D.C. — November 7, 2025 — The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) today called the federal government's termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuela—set to expire at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time—a destabilizing blow to one of the largest humanitarian populations now living and working in the United States.
"Tonight's deadline will reverberate far beyond immigration offices," said Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board. "It means parents who have been legally employed for years may wake up tomorrow unable to work. It means students who have flourished in our schools now face uncertainty. And it means local economies that rely on Venezuelan talent—from service industries to skilled trades—risk disruption at a time when communities can least afford it."
More than 250,000 Venezuelans have arrived in the U.S. over the past several years, fleeing political collapse, food shortages, and widespread human-rights abuses that intensified after 2018, according to multiple nonpartisan migration research centers. The largest communities have settled in Florida, Texas, New York, New Jersey, and Georgia, where Venezuelan workers fill vital roles in construction, hospitality, logistics, health services, and the small-business sector. Thousands more have relocated to the Midwest and Mountain West as employers struggle to fill labor shortages.
By removing TPS protections without a clear transition plan, advocates warn that tens of thousands of U.S. employers could face sudden workforce gaps. At the same time, Venezuelan families lose the ability to work legally, renew their driver's licenses, or maintain economic stability. Local economies in South Florida, the Houston metro area, New York City, and Northern New Jersey are among the hardest hit, given their high concentrations of TPS-eligible Venezuelans.
Venezuelans granted TPS in 2021 underwent background checks, complied with federal requirements, and built lives that have measurably strengthened local economies. Estimates from labor-market researchers indicate that Venezuelan TPS holders contribute billions annually in wages, taxes, and consumer spending, particularly in states grappling with worker shortages.
"Venezuelan TPS holders did everything this country asked of them," Palomares added. "They registered, renewed, and played by the rules. Terminating their protections overnight, with no on-the-ground guidance for families or communities, is not aligned with American values or common sense. Our government must not turn a blind eye to people who have already become part of the fabric of our neighborhoods and workplaces."
LULAC calls on community partners, legal advocates, employers, and media outlets to provide verified information and steer families away from fraudulent actors who historically prey on immigrant communities during moments of crisis. The organization also urges Congress and the Administration to adopt immediate, lawful measures—whether through redesignation, deferred action, or streamlined pathways—to maintain stability for families and local economies.
"Our message is simple," Palomares said in closing. "Stand with Venezuelan families tonight—reach out, stay informed, and help protect the dignity and safety of our neighbors."
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About League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization. Founded in 1929, LULAC is committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of Latino Americans through advocacy, community building, and education. With a growing network of councils nationwide, LULAC remains steadfast in its mission to protect and empower millions of Latinos, contributing daily to America's prosperity. For more information about LULAC and its initiatives, please visit https://lulac.org/.