The Trump administration's recent decision to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans living in the United States has sent shockwaves through the immigrant community. With approximately 600,000 Venezuelans holding TPS, this decision affects nearly two-thirds who received it in 2023 and the remainder from 2021. The administration has given a 60-day notice, citing "notable improvements" in Venezuela as the reason for the revocation. However, the State Department and experts dispute this claim, highlighting ongoing economic struggles, public health crises, and rampant crime in Venezuela.
Among those affected is Jesús and his family, who fled Venezuela in fear of persecution. Jesús's wife, a civil servant, resisted participating in pro-government demonstrations, prompting their perilous journey through Colombia, the Darién jungle in Panama, and Mexico before reaching Texas in 2021. Another individual, Mary, a mother of four, is grappling with severe anxiety since learning of the potential loss of protected status. Her panic attacks and nosebleeds underscore the profound impact this decision has on families who have established their lives in the U.S.
“I’ve spent six days crying in my bedroom,” – Mary
The Biden administration had previously extended TPS for Venezuelans until October 2026, providing a sense of stability to those seeking refuge. However, this recent revocation leaves many facing an uncertain future. Immigrant advocacy groups are urging Venezuelans with TPS to seek legal assistance to explore asylum or other pathways to remain in the U.S., emphasizing the complexity of asylum laws without adequate legal support.
“It’s like they’re trying to throw us into the lions’ cage, as we say in my country,” – Jesús
The revocation of TPS not only strips away work permits but also threatens the livelihoods of Venezuelans who have integrated into American society. Many have no other means of support and fear deportation to a country described as "extremely unsafe." The potential "catastrophic economic impact" looms over industries relying on these workers nationwide.
Jesús's family has resorted to ordering food and supplies online to avoid being caught up in possible raids. Their apprehension is shared by many Venezuelans who have built a life in the U.S., now plunged into uncertainty with the possibility of deportation to a dangerous homeland.
“Because they would be sending us to persecution and certain death.” – Jesús
The precarious situation in Venezuela continues to drive millions to flee persecution and violence. Despite claims of improvement by the administration, experts question these assertions, pointing to persistent issues that make returning unsafe for many. The humanitarian impact of this decision is profound, leaving hundreds of thousands of people uncertain about their future.
“There’s also the humanitarian impact of telling 300,000 people they should just go back to a country that is, in this case, extremely unsafe. Everybody knows it. I mean, everybody knows Venezuela is a very precarious and dangerous place to live, which is why millions of people have fled,” – Jesús
Mary's experience highlights the fear permeating these communities. She recounts her children running into closets at the sound of a knock on the door, fearing it might be authorities coming to deport them.
“My kids have been crying too. They run into the closet every time they hear a knock on the door.” – Mary
“If I set foot again in Venezuela I am sure that they will either put my husband in prison or kill him. And they’ll do the same to me.” – Mary
The decision by the Trump administration starkly contrasts with assurances given earlier by the previous administration. It has left many scrambling for legal solutions while grappling with emotional distress and fear for their safety.
“When the secretary of security told us that all of us, all of us who crossed the border were criminals, we were from the Tren de Augua gang, that really affected me,” – Mary
Mary insists that after nearly four years in the U.S., her family maintains a clean record, countering negative stereotypes associated with immigrants like her family.
“After nearly four years here, my husband and I don’t have a single ticket, we don’t have a single fine.” – Mary