Sponsors (22)
Introduced February 13, 2025 by Darren Michael Soto · Last progress February 13, 2025
The bill creates a time-limited pathway and immediate protections (including work authorization) for many Venezuelan nationals, trading broader access and judicial oversight for tighter eligibility limits, a strict filing window, and potential costs and deportation risk for those denied.
Eligible Venezuelan nationals who entered the U.S. by Dec 31, 2021 (and their qualifying relatives) can apply for and obtain lawful permanent resident status within a three-year window; filing an application stays removal, cancels prior deportation/exclusion orders if adjusted, and backdates the record of admission, securing retroactive lawful status and protections while adjudications proceed.
Applicants (and certain pending applicants) who remain pending beyond 180 days are authorized to work, allowing eligible individuals to obtain legal employment and income while their adjustment applications are adjudicated.
Applicants whose petitions are denied can have prior removal orders enforced, exposing those denied to immediate deportation and loss of any temporary protections they had while pending.
The bill restricts judicial review by making decisions on adjustment final with limited court oversight, reducing opportunities to challenge discretionary denials or procedural errors in federal court.
Individuals with aggravated felony convictions, multiple crimes involving moral turpitude, or participation in persecution are explicitly ineligible, leaving some long‑term residents and family members without relief.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Creates a 3-year window for certain Venezuelan nationals (entered by 12/31/2021) and qualifying relatives to apply for lawful permanent residence, with work authorization while pending.
Allows certain Venezuelan nationals who entered the United States on or before December 31, 2021, and their qualifying relatives to apply for adjustment to lawful permanent resident (green card) status within three years of the law taking effect. Applicants must be otherwise eligible for an immigrant visa and admissible except that specified inadmissibility grounds are waived; the Department of Homeland Security may deny applications for serious criminal or persecution-related reasons. While applications are pending, applicants are protected from removal, may apply for work authorization, and prior removal or exclusion orders can be canceled if adjustment is granted.