Venezuelan PhD Student’s US Status in Jeopardy After Protected Status Ends

A Venezuelan PhD student, Oriette D’Angelo, is facing uncertainty about her future in the United States after her temporary protected status expires in September. D’Angelo, a university instructor and published author, fled Venezuela to escape its dictatorship and pursue higher education.

The US temporary protected status (TPS) program allows migrants from dangerous countries to stay in the country temporarily. However, with the TPS set to end in September, many Venezuelans must now find alternative solutions before their protection runs out.

D’Angelo, a PhD student at the University of Iowa, fears that losing her education and safety will put everything she has worked for at risk. She is vocal about human rights issues on social media and has been targeted by Venezuelan authorities. To address her uncertain future, D’Angelo is scrambling to update her status and secure a new visa.

A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help cover the costs of an immigration attorney and the required documentation for a new visa status. With only a year left on her PhD, D’Angelo hopes for a better outcome and a chance to continue her education safely in the US.

Source: https://www.kcrg.com/2025/02/12/venezuelan-phd-students-status-us-jeopardy