US grants temporary protected status to Venezuelans in US

WASHINGTON - The US government would grant temporary protected status (TPS) to Venezuelans already staying in the United States, US senior administration officials said on Monday.

A senior official told reporters in a briefing call that Venezuelans who demonstrate their continuous residence in the United States as of March 8 are qualified for TPS designation for 18 months.

The official noted over 300,000 individuals are estimated to be eligible to apply for TPS, adding that the designation is "due to the extraordinary temporary conditions in Venezuela ... it is not safe for Venezuelans to return."

Another senior administration official said in the briefing that the Joe Biden administration is "in no rush" to lift sanctions on Venezuela that inherited from the previous administration. But the official admitted that US unilateral sanctions over the last four years had not succeeded.

The United States has been pursuing a policy of economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation against the Nicolas Maduro government to support opposition leader Juan Guaido.