In a major change to U.S. immigration policy, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the end of deportation protection for nearly 348,000 Venezuelans currently living in the United States under Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The announcement, made on Monday, has caused deep concern and uncertainty among Venezuelan families who have built lives in the U.S.
This decision is part of former President Donald Trump’s renewed push for stricter immigration controls. According to Reuters, the move could result in thousands of Venezuelans losing their work permits and facing possible deportation as early as April.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) explained the decision by pointing to what it described as clear improvements in Venezuela’s economic situation, healthcare system, and public safety. But for many Venezuelans in the U.S., the idea of returning to their home country is frightening and heartbreaking.
“I have no idea what comes next,” said Ana Maria Pirela, a 26-year-old Venezuelan woman living in the U.S. with TPS. “My husband just lost his job yesterday after working for two months at a food store. I’m also two months pregnant. I can’t imagine going back to Venezuela.”
Human rights advocate Beatriz Olavarria warned of serious dangers for many Venezuelans if they are forced to return. Some could face prison time, especially those who have spoken publicly about the political crisis in their country. “If they go back, they’ll be jailed,” she told NBC6 South Florida.
Under President Joe Biden, TPS had been expanded to include over a million people from 17 countries, offering protection to those fleeing war, natural disasters, or severe political and economic problems. Many Venezuelans entered the U.S. legally during this time, escaping difficult conditions at home. However, deporting them has remained complicated due to the rocky relationship between the U.S. and Venezuela.
Last week, Noem ended an 18-month extension of TPS that had been offered to Venezuelans under Biden. And this week, she announced the cancellation of automatic six-month renewals. While around 300,000 Venezuelans still have TPS that will last until September, many now live with fear and doubt about what the future holds.
Tatiana Vazques, a Venezuelan migrant living in Atlanta, described how her community is already feeling the effects. “Yesterday ICE arrested my friend and her husband,” she shared. “We’re living in fear.” Her family has applied for asylum, but the threat of deportation remains.
The Trump administration is also reviewing another Biden-era program that allows about 530,000 Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans to legally live and work in the U.S. with the help of sponsors. A decision to cancel that program could come soon, according to sources.
Back in Venezuela, many of the conditions that led people to flee still remain. The country continues to face serious economic troubles. Even with President Nicolás Maduro’s efforts to manage inflation, the monthly minimum wage is just $3. Maduro, who is now serving a third term after a contested election, is also accused of drug trafficking by the U.S.—allegations he strongly denies.
More than 7.7 million people have left Venezuela since the crisis worsened under Maduro and his continued leadership of the Chavista movement, according to the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR). Opposition leaders are calling on the U.S. government to reconsider ending TPS, warning of the serious risks facing Venezuelan migrants if they are sent back.
