This week’s biggest news from the Department of Homeland Security is the announcement ending the 2021 Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, designation for Venezuelans. DHS declared that TPS benefits and associated work authorization for Venezuelans granted under this order will be valid only until September 10, 2025, with a 60-day lead time following the publication of the official notice in the Federal Register. This decision, which follows persistent national debate and executive guidance changes, will immediately affect thousands of Venezuelan nationals who have been living and working under this protection.

For the people impacted, especially Venezuelans in the U.S., this means a hard deadline to pursue other legal avenues or prepare for TPS protections and work permits to expire. DHS emphasizes that beneficiaries should be aware of the critical timeline and seek guidance if they need legal assistance. As advocacy groups mobilize and legal teams prepare, state and local governments in areas with sizeable Venezuelan communities are watching for ripple effects in housing, jobs, and support services.

Businesses and organizations, especially those employing TPS recipients, will need to review work authorization documentation and prepare for possible staffing and compliance shifts. The Chamber of Commerce has urged employers to stay updated and provide clear communication to impacted workers while HR departments brace for workforce changes.

DHS has also released its Spring 2025 regulatory agenda, featuring major immigration reforms. Among them is a marked shift in H-1B visa processing, with a new beneficiary-centric lottery process for 2025 and tighter rules—like social media reviews and reinstated alien registration requirements—now in effect. This change is prompting companies, especially in tech and consulting, to restructure compliance programs and reevaluate hiring strategies. Universities and research institutions may face new hurdles as formerly exempt positions get brought into the cap-lottery system.

On another major front, DHS has proposed replacing the longstanding “duration of status” admission for F and J visa holders—think students and exchange visitors—with fixed admission periods tied to their programs or four years, whichever comes first. Public comment is open until September 27, 2025, and DHS is actively soliciting feedback. Advisors urge impacted students, universities, and exchange programs to review the proposal and comment, since the change could mean more paperwork, tighter timelines, and less flexibility for academic careers.

In leadership news, there have been renewed calls for stronger enforcement at workplace sites, driven by Executive Order 14159, which removes prior restrictions on where immigration enforcement actions can occur. Employers are being urged to reinforce compliance training and document retention to avoid costly enforcement actions.

DHS’s recent moves also connect to national security, as the White House has issued restrictions on the entry of nationals from certain countries, citing ongoing threats. These measures reflect a broader strategy of bringing both public safety and strict compliance to the forefront of U.S. immigration policy.

To all listeners: if these policies affect you, check out the DHS public comment portal and connect with professional advisors. As students and employers, now’s the time to stay proactive, review compliance frameworks, and make your voice heard. Watch for further deadlines as final rules roll out and public input shapes upcoming changes.

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