NEW YORK (PIX11) – Over 505,000 Venezuelans living legally in the United States are bracing for potential deportation as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for this group is set to expire. The Biden administration's recent decision to rescind the protection, initiated by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristin Noem, denies the extension of TPS through October 2026. This change rolls back protections established under the previous administration, sparking fears and uncertainty among the Venezuelan community.
Temporary Protected Status was initially offered due to the extreme dangers Venezuelans face, including political repression and humanitarian crisis under Nicolás Maduro's regime. Those who entered the U.S. before August 2023 and had work permits were granted protection from deportation. Yet, with TPS scheduled to end for many people by April 2025, the fate of thousands hangs precariously. Nationwide, nearly 600,000 Venezuelans have TPS according to various reports.
On a recent rainy evening, Carmen, her husband, and their dog 'Miel' left the asylum seeker help center with hopes for divine intervention. "It is inhuman to even contemplate sending them back home to [Maduro's] dictatorship," said Erick Ronso, leader of the New York City Venezuelan movement, as he expressed fears about the future for many compatriots. The anxiety felt by the Venezuelan community is palpable, especially with TPS protections for approximately 256,625 Venezuelans expiring soon.
The emotional weight of this decision is starker for those with loved ones at stake. Amanda, 25 weeks pregnant, anxiously browses the internet for information related to TPS. Her boyfriend, who has held TPS for nearly two years, is entangled in this web of uncertainty. "I can't focus on my pregnancy; I'm worried about my boyfriend's future here and the potential of hiring legal assistance if necessary," she shared.
The rescinding of the TPS extension has created even broader concerns about how it will affect local communities and businesses, particularly those heavily reliant on Venezuelan workers. One owner of multiple Venezuelan cafes noted, "This was like a bucket of cold water nobody was expecting. At least 22 of my employees are on TPS." The worry reverberates through homes and workplaces, casting shadows over normal routines.
Florida Democrats lambasted the roll-back of TPS protections, pointing out the dire and violent conditions faced by returnees. More than seven million Venezuelans have fled their homeland over the last decade, many driven by systemic abuse of human rights and fear for their lives. The decision to rescind TPS is viewed as jeopardizing not only individuals but entire communities reliant on Venezuelan families for workforce stability.
Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Darren Soto led the charge, addressing their concerns directly to Noem and laying out the harsh realities Venezuelans encounter. “Returning Venezuelan immigrants to the dictatorship… would be a death sentence for many of our friends and neighbors,” they emphasized. With the imminent expiration for many beneficiaries, the representatives urge immediate action to renew protections.
The letter from the legislators noted, “This decision will devastate the communities where they live, work, and pay taxes.” Activists are mobilizing to voice their disquiet over potential deportations, especially as Trump-hardened policies manifest once more. The Miami area, with its significant Venezuelan population, faces destabilization if deportations ramp up.
Local voices are rallying, making it clear TPS recipients are not criminals as some officials have characterized them. Enrique, who holds U.S. citizenship but has family members affected by TPS changes, expressed, "It's deeply unfair to criminalize Venezuelan immigrants based on sweeping generalizations." This sentiment echoes through the community's response to Trump's latest directives and consequent changes introduced by Noem.
Under current regulations, TPS holders must not have serious legal infractions to qualify for protections. Yet rhetoric from some officials suggests otherwise. Noem claimed TPS holders represent those who “violate our laws” and insisted this rollback will prevent illegal immigration. This inflammatory pivot raises serious moral questions about the treatment of Venezuelans seeking refuge.
Current conditions back home remain dire; evidence of systemic degradation and repression can be observed everywhere. Reports indicate businesses and family structures will suffer should TPS holders lose their protections. Employers – many of whom have employees on TPS – fear for the community’s overall health and economic stability.
Despite the uncertainty, many Venezuelans remain hopeful. Carmen expressed her concerns about returning to Venezuela, saying, “Going back is not an option. It’s not safe for us.” The duality of hope and despair is common among TPS holders as they face precarious realities.
Significantly, TPS for Venezuelans reflects broader immigration patterns and the challenges faced by migrants across the globe. With devastating consequences rippling through families, communities, and economies, the urgency for legislative action has never been clearer. The call initiated by concerned lawmakers aims for renewal of these protections and reaffirms the importance of providing refuge for those fleeing unbearable circumstances.