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The Venezuelan community in South Florida, particularly in the municipality of Doral, also known as Little Venezuela or Doralzuela, is experiencing significant uncertainty and fear due to the immigration policies of the Trump administration.
Wilmer Escaray, a businessman who arrived in the United States in 2007 and is now the owner of a dozen restaurants, expressed his concern for the situation many of his employees face, as they are in the country under Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
"It is truly very regrettable to lose that human capital because there are people here who do jobs that others do not do," she told the agency AP.
John, another Venezuelan immigrant who has been in the United States for nine years, runs a construction company with his wife, and they have been protected by TPS.
"It hurts us that the government is turning its back on us. We didn't come to commit crimes; we came to work, to build," said John, the father of a five-year-old girl born in the country.
The couple is distressed by the possibility of having to leave, and they emphasize that Venezuela remains an unviable option due to the ongoing political and economic crisis.
Many of the Venezuelans who emigrated in search of a better life now feel abandoned by the decisions of the U.S. administration.
"People do not want to or cannot return to Venezuela," stated Frank Carreño, president of the Venezuelan American Chamber of Commerce, who also resides in Doral.
The TPS has been essential for many Venezuelans, but uncertainty now surrounds its future. A federal judge issued an order in March to keep the program active until the appeal is resolved in the courts, which has given hope to about 350,000 people.
However, the humanitarian parole, which also protects thousands of migrants from Venezuela, will expire on April 24, leaving many unprotected.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has already begun notifying beneficiaries of the humanitarian parole implemented by the Joe Biden administration that their status and corresponding work permit have been revoked.
Aside from the potential deportation, other factors such as the suspension of residency applications for parole beneficiaries and the pause in processing green card applications for refugees and asylum seekers are further complicating the situation for Venezuelans in the United States.
As the end of humanitarian parole approaches rapidly, the expectations of the Venezuelan community in South Florida remain uncertain.
Thousands live with the fear of being deported, unsure of what the future holds for them or whether they will be able to continue contributing to the country they now consider their home.
For them, the situation is clear: they need a change in immigration policies and recognition of the sacrifices they have made to rebuild their lives in a new country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Migration Situation of Venezuelans in the United States
What is Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and how does it affect Venezuelans?
The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a program that allows citizens from certain countries to legally reside and work in the United States temporarily due to extraordinary conditions in their home countries, such as natural disasters or armed conflicts. For Venezuelans, TPS has been a crucial protection given the political and economic crisis in Venezuela. However, under the Trump administration, TPS for Venezuelans has been revoked, creating uncertainty and the risk of deportation for thousands of people.
What is the future of humanitarian parole for Venezuelans in the United States?
Humanitarian parole has allowed many Venezuelans to enter and reside temporarily in the United States. Currently, the future of humanitarian parole is uncertain as the Trump administration has announced its intention to revoke this program, which would affect thousands of beneficiaries already living in the country. Judicial decisions are expected to potentially influence the fate of this program in the coming weeks.
What alternatives do Venezuelans in the U.S. have if they lose TPS or humanitarian parole?
In case of losing TPS or humanitarian parole, Venezuelans can explore options such as applying for asylum, if they can demonstrate persecution in Venezuela for political, religious, or other reasons. They could also seek other immigration benefits, such as adjustment of status or family petitions, although these pathways can be complicated and do not guarantee an immediate solution.
What impact does the revocation of TPS and humanitarian parole have on the Venezuelan community in the United States?
The revocation of TPS and humanitarian parole generates great uncertainty and fear in the Venezuelan community in the United States. Many people who fled a critical situation in Venezuela now face the risk of deportation and loss of their means of livelihood. This situation has created a sense of helplessness and an urgent need for a change in immigration policies that acknowledges the sacrifices and contributions of these migrants to the country.
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