The administration of US President Donald Trump has revoked an extension of deportation protections for Venezuelans, reversing another immigration policy from the previous administration.

The Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, program allows immigrants from countries experiencing conflict, political instability or natural disasters to stay in the United States legally, even if they have entered without going through the proper legal process. Those granted TPS can also work.

The administration of former President Joe Biden expanded TPS designation to 17 countries, including Ukraine, for humanitarian reasons.

Before Trump's inauguration, the Biden administration had extended TPS for Venezuelans by 18 months, citing the severe humanitarian emergency due to "political and economic crises under the inhumane Maduro regime."

On Wednesday, the Trump administration rescinded the extension, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening measures against illegal immigrants.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told Fox News, "This is part of our plan to make sure that we're protecting America, keeping it safe again, just like President Trump promised."

About 600,000 Venezuelans are said to live in the US under the TPS program. A 31-year-old Venezuelan told NHK that given the situation in his country, he cannot go back. He added that he doesn't know what to do and is worried about his future.