GOP senator stalls bill that would give protected status to Venezuelans

Democratic senators hoping to fast-track a bill that gives Venezuelans Temporary Protected Status were blocked on Tuesday by Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah).

Temporary Protected Status is given to eligible people from designated countries who have escaped natural disasters, armed conflict, and political turmoil. They are able to live and work in the United States without fear of being deported. Last week, the House passed a bipartisan bill on the matter, and Sens. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) wanted to approve it by unanimous consent before going on a six-week recess. Lee opposed this, saying Republicans did not have enough time to make changes to the bill. "It is an unconscionable moral failing for the Senate not to approve this legislation," Menendez said.

The United Nations estimates more than four million Venezuelans have fled their country, due to economic chaos, food and medicine shortages, and hyperinflation. While the Trump administration has called on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to step down and considers Juan Guaidó the legitimate leader, the White House has not come out in support of giving Venezuelans TPS and has tried to take the designation away from Haitians, Hondurans, Nicaraguans, and Salvadorians. The United States is the top destination for people who are leaving Venezuela.

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