Starting Tuesday, nearly half a million asylum seekers from Venezuela can apply for Temporary Protected Status. The program provides individuals already present in the United States with protection from removal when the conditions in their home country prevent their safe return.

It comes after the redesignation of Venezuela. Those who are protected under TPS are also eligible to apply for work authorization.

Applicants for TPS must demonstrate that they are Venezuelan nationals who have been continuously residing in the United States since on or before July 31, 2023, and have continued to be present here through the opening of the application window.

The Department of Homeland Security estimates this will allow around 472,000 Venezuelans to file an initial TPS application.

Gov. Kathy Hochul says the state is already doing their part to connect eligible Venezuelans with jobs. She says they have identified 400 employers which equates to roughly 18,000 jobs.

The TPS application window is open through April 2, 2025.