DHS extends and redesignates Temporary Protected Status for Venezuela and Afghanistan

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced the extension and redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuela and Afghanistan last week. The redesignation provides temporary protection from removal and employment authorization for an extended period of 18 months for Venezuelans who arrived in the U.S. before July 31, 2023. For Afghan nationals, the redesignation is extended for 18 months starting on November 18, 2023 and applies to those who previously registered for, and were granted, TPS under Afghanistan’s prior designation. It will also expand eligibility to an estimated 14,000 Afghan nationals who entered the U.S. since March 15, 2022. In addition, the department recognizes that the work authorization for a number of Afghans will expire before the redesignation begins and is extending the validity of previously issued work authorizations through November 20, 2024. 

Biden administration plans to keep the annual cap of 125,000 refugee admissions to include up to 50,000 refugees from Latin America and the Caribbean

State Department and Homeland Security documents highlight a proposal to keep the current annual refugee admissions cap at 125,000 while making significant changes to how the numbers are allocated for fiscal year 2024, which begins October 1. The plan includes 35,000 to 50,000 spots for refugees from Latin America and the Caribbean, more than doubling the allotment of 15,000 for 2023. Additional allotments include 30,000 to 50,000 spots for African refugees, 30,000 to 45,000 for Near East and South Asia, 10,000 to 20,000 for East Asia, and 2,000 to 3,000 for Europe, a notable decline from previous years.

Armenians flee Karabakh after Azerbaijan forces launch a takeover operation

The Armenian government has reported that more than 28,000 Armenians have fled Karabakh and crossed into Armenia after the Azerbaijan military defeated forces in Karabakh. The control of Karabakh has been disputed between Armenia and Azerbaijan since the Soviet Union was dissolved in 1991.

U.S. Agency for International Development Chief Samantha Power said that Azerbaijan’s use of force is unacceptable and that the Biden administration is deciding on an appropriate response.