Rep. Salazar Signs Discharge Petition to Advance TPS Protections for Venezuelans

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative María Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27) signed a discharge petitionfiled by Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL-09) to force a vote on H.R. 3310, the Venezuela TPS Act of 2025, legislation to protect Venezuelans in the United States from deportation and provide temporary stability as conditions in their home country remain unsafe.

Originally introduced in May 2025 by Reps. Salazar, Darren Soto (D-FL-09), and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25), the bipartisan bill would designate Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status, safeguarding hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans who fled political persecution and instability.

"While it is encouraging to see signs of progress and a potential path forward for Venezuela, much work remains to be done, and the country is still not safe for many people to return. Until conditions meaningfully improve, we must uphold our commitment to those we granted Temporary Protected Status while ensuring strong criminal vetting measures remain in place," said Rep. Salazar. "This discharge petition is about doing the right thing, pushing Congress to act and stand on the side of those who fled repression and instability."

Congresswoman Salazar represents thousands of Venezuelan-Americans in her district and has been at the forefront of efforts to protect Venezuelans from being forced to return to a country still facing repression and humanitarian crisis.

Background

The Venezuela TPS Act of 2025 (H.R. 3310) would designate Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for an additional 18 months, allowing eligible Venezuelan nationals in the United States to remain and work legally while conditions in their home country continue to evolve.

Following the capture of Nicolás Maduro in January 2026, Venezuela has entered a period of transition and stabilization, including the release of political prisoners. Despite these developments, humanitarian challenges persist, and conditions are not yet safe for Venezuelans to return.

The discharge petition is a procedural mechanism that allows Members of Congress to bring legislation to the House floor for a vote when it has not advanced through the committee process, ensuring the full House has the opportunity to act.