Updates

Great news! Tickets for the first-ever historic Venezuelan Night at the Red Sox are now available.

In a productive meeting, we discussed strategies to strengthen support for TPS beneficiaries and help ensure their well-being in Massachusetts.

The Venezuelan Association of Massachusetts (VAM) today joined a broad coalition of immigrant service organizations and labor unions in filing a federal lawsuit challenging a series of policies implemented by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that affect millions of immigrants across the country.

The Venezuelan Association of Massachusetts would like to inform our community about a proposed new regulation issued today by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which could significantly affect asylum seekers and their ability to obtain work permits.

A critical analysis of the situation in Venezuela four months after Maduro’s departure, in which Ana Julia Jatar questions the effectiveness of the political transition, notes that more than 500 prisoners of conscience remain behind bars, and makes an urgent appeal to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the U.S. government to support free and democratic elections in Venezuela.

The Venezuelan Association of Massachusetts (VAM) informs the community about the implementation of new changes to U.S. immigration policies, which will take effect on May 29, 2026, and will directly affect individuals with pending asylum applications and TPS beneficiaries. Among the most significant changes is the creation of an Annual Asylum Fee (AAF) for individuals with a pending Form I-589. Failure to pay this fee within 30 days of receiving notice may result in the rejection of the application, the possible initiation of removal proceedings, and the cancellation of work authorization, even if it had already been approved. A mandatory filing fee will also be required for Form I-589. This fee will be non-refundable, even if the application is rejected because of errors in the way it was completed. Regarding TPS, employment authorization documents will have a limited validity period of up to one year or the remaining duration of the TPS designation, whichever is shorter. In addition, a new minimum fee of $24 will be introduced for Form I-102, which is used to request certain travel or immigration documents. In light of these changes, VAM recommends that members of the community: Stay informed and pay close attention to any official notices. Consult with qualified immigration professionals or accredited representatives. Organize all necessary documentation in advance. Take timely action to avoid serious legal consequences. VAM reaffirms its commitment to supporting, guiding, and advocating for the Venezuelan community during this period of change.

Venezuelan leader María Corina Machado has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, prompting a widespread reaction among Venezuelans both inside and outside the country, who see this recognition as an important milestone in bringing greater visibility to the situation in Venezuela.