0
Venezuelan Adjustment Act
12/30/2022, 12:04 AM
Summary of Bill HR 7854
The bill also includes provisions for Venezuelans who have been granted TPS to apply for permanent residency after meeting certain requirements, such as maintaining a clean criminal record and demonstrating continuous presence in the US. Additionally, the bill calls for the US government to provide assistance to Venezuelan nationals who are in need of humanitarian aid, such as access to healthcare and social services.
Supporters of the Venezuelan Adjustment Act argue that it is necessary to provide relief to Venezuelans who have fled their home country due to political unrest, economic instability, and human rights abuses. They believe that granting TPS and a pathway to permanent residency will allow Venezuelans to rebuild their lives in the US and contribute to the American economy. Opponents of the bill, however, raise concerns about the potential strain on US resources and the impact on American workers. They argue that granting TPS to Venezuelans could lead to increased competition for jobs and resources, and that the US government should prioritize the needs of American citizens before extending benefits to foreign nationals. Overall, the Venezuelan Adjustment Act is a complex piece of legislation that addresses the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela and the challenges faced by Venezuelan nationals in the US. It remains to be seen how the bill will progress in Congress and what impact it will have on the lives of Venezuelans living in the United States.
Congressional Summary of HR 7854
Venezuelan Adjustment Act
This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to grant lawful permanent resident status to qualifying nationals of Venezuela.
A national of Venezuela shall be eligible if that individual (1) applies for lawful permanent resident status no later than three years after this bill's enactment, (2) entered the United States on or before December 31, 2021, (3) has been continuously physically present in the United States for at least one year when filing their application, (4) is otherwise eligible to receive an immigrant visa, and (5) is not inadmissible under various grounds such as a conviction for an aggravated felony. Certain grounds for inadmissibility, such as the public charge ground, shall not apply.
The spouse, child, or unmarried son or daughter of an eligible individual shall also be eligible.
If an individual has applied for lawful permanent resident status under this bill and is subject to exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings, DHS may not order that individual's removal unless DHS has made a final determination to deny the application.
DHS must provide work authorization to an individual whose application has been pending for more than 180 days, and may also provide authorization before that.
