Biden extends TPS to Venezuelans in U.S. 0:42

(CNN) -- New York Mayor Eric Adams is concerned that most asylum seekers in the city's care will not be able to benefit from the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which the Biden administration announced Wednesday and which seeks to partially expedite work authorizations for Venezuelan migrants.

"We have approximately 60,000 asylum seekers in our care, three-quarters of whom are not eligible for the announcement that was made," Adams said at a news conference Thursday afternoon. "We have approximately 15,000 who are eligible," the mayor said.

  • The Biden administration will extend TPS for Venezuelans in the U.S.

Adams' figure is dwarfed by the more than 116,000 asylum seekers who have been processed by New York City's shelter system since last spring, nearly 60,000 of whom remain in city care. Although those numbers include migrants from other countries, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul previously estimated that 41% are Venezuelans.

In its announcement, the Department of Homeland Security extended TPS for 18 months for Venezuelans residing in the U.S. from or before July 31, 2023, allowing them to apply for work authorizations.

The date condition will likely mean that many of the Venezuelan migrants who arrived in the city during the latest wave — at a rate of about 300 a day according to city statistics — will not be eligible for TPS or to apply for work permits legally.

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  • Temporary Protected Status (TPS): What It Is, Who Is Eligible, Price and How to Apply

"That leaves us a total of 9,500 of the 60,000 who are eligible to apply for work authorization," said Adams, who asked to continue working with the White House to find new solutions.

According to Adams, he spoke with the White House Wednesday night following the TPS announcement.

"I think the president is doing a great job on many issues in this country, my approach to the issue of migrant asylum is extremely hurtful and damaging to New York City. And I think last night's decision is the starting point of what we can do."

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