# Plain Language Summary: Venezuelan Adjustment Act

This bill creates a new pathway for Venezuelan citizens to become permanent residents of the United States. Specifically, it allows Venezuelan nationals who entered the country by December 31, 2021, and have lived here continuously for at least one year to apply for permanent residency status. Their immediate family members—spouses, children, and unmarried adult children—can also apply through this same process. People have three years from when this law passes to submit their applications.

The bill removes several standard immigration barriers that would normally block these applicants. For example, it waives certain grounds for rejection related to health issues, criminal history in some cases, and immigration violations. However, it still bars people convicted of serious crimes like felonies or those involved in persecution based on race, religion, or political beliefs. If someone has already been ordered deported or removed from the country, they can still apply under this program without having to file additional legal motions to reopen their case.

While applications are being processed, applicants get important protections. The government cannot deport them while their case is pending, and they can get work authorization—meaning they can legally hold a job. If an application sits for more than 180 days without a decision, work authorization becomes automatic. Once approved, applicants become permanent residents with the same rights as other green card holders, and the government won't reduce the total number of visas available to other immigrants to account for these new permanent residents.

Venezuelan Adjustment Act

Venezuelan Adjustment Act This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to grant lawful permanent resident status to qualifying nationals of Venezuela. A national of Venezuela shall be eligible if that individual (1) applies for lawful permanent resident status no later than three years after this bill's enactment, (2) entered the United States on or before December 31, 2021, (3) has been continuously physically present in the United States for at least one year when filing their application, (4) is otherwise eligible to receive an immigrant visa, and (5) is not inadmissible under various grounds such as a conviction for an aggravated felony. Certain grounds for inadmissibility, such as the public charge ground, shall not apply. The spouse, child, or unmarried son or daughter of an eligible individual shall also be eligible. If an individual has applied for lawful permanent resident status under this bill and is subject to exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings, DHS may not order that individual's removal unless DHS has made a final determination to deny the application. DHS must provide work authorization to an individual whose application has been pending for more than 180 days, and may also provide authorization before that.