Beyond Betrayed: Trump Administration Ends TPS for 350,000 Venezuelans
Trump Administration Ends Protections for 350,000 Venezuelans
President Donald Trump’s administration is ending protections that shielded roughly 350,000 Venezuelans from deportation, leaving them with two months before they lose their right to work in the U.S.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s Order Affects 348,202 Venezuelans
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s order affects 348,202 Venezuelans living in the U.S. with Temporary Protected Status slated to expire in April. That’s about half of the approximately 600,000 who have the protection. The remaining protections are set to expire at the end of September.
Termination Notice to be Published Wednesday
The termination notice will be published Wednesday and go into effect 60 days later.
Latest Trump Administration Action Targeting Immigration System
It’s among the latest Trump administration actions targeting the immigration system, as officials work to make good on promises of cracking down on people illegally living in the country and to carry out the largest mass deportation effort in U.S. history.
Government Documents Show Trump Administration has Ended TPS for Nearly 300,000 Venezuelans
According to government documents obtained by The New York Times, the Trump administration has ended TPS for nearly 300,000 Venezuelans.
Venezuelans Living and Working in the U.S. Thrown into Turmoil
News of the decision threw Venezuelans living and working in the U.S. into turmoil.
Reactions from Community Leaders and Politicians
Adelis Ferro of the Venezuelan American Caucus said, "More than betrayed. Beyond betrayed. They used us… during the campaign – and I don’t want to make this political – during the campaign, the elected officials from the Republican party, they told us that it was not going to touch the documented people."
Florida Rep. Carlos Gimenez wrote a letter to Noem saying he doesn’t believe in a broad approach and that this should be handled on a case-by-case basis.
"I didn’t think suspension of TPS was warranted at this time. Venezuela certainly is not a safer place today than it was when TPS was issued. So, I’m not in favor of everything the Trump administration has done," he said.
Venezuelan Migrants Share Their Stories
Henry Carmona, a 48-year-old Venezuelan who described leaving his country after receiving threats on his life, said, "I feel like I’m in limbo – I will be undocumented beginning in April. I cannot go back to Venezuela. I can go to jail. I fear for my life."
TPS and Its History
Congress created TPS in 1990 to prevent deportations to countries suffering from natural disasters or civil strife, giving people authorization to work in increments of up to 18 months. About 1 million immigrants from 17 countries are protected by TPS. Venezuelans comprise one of the largest beneficiaries.
Conclusion
The Trump administration’s decision to end TPS for 350,000 Venezuelans has left many in the community feeling betrayed and uncertain about their future. As the termination notice is published and goes into effect, it is crucial for the administration to provide a clear plan for those affected and to consider the humanitarian implications of this decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is TPS?
A: TPS, or Temporary Protected Status, is a program that allows people from countries experiencing natural disasters or civil strife to live and work in the U.S. temporarily.
Q: How many people are affected by the decision to end TPS for Venezuelans?
A: Approximately 350,000 Venezuelans are affected by the decision to end TPS.
Q: What is the impact of the decision on the community?
A: The decision has thrown the community into turmoil, leaving many feeling uncertain about their future and facing the possibility of deportation.
Q: What is the response from the community and politicians?
A: The community and some politicians have expressed outrage and disappointment, calling the decision "beyond betrayed" and "a betrayal" of the community’s trust.
Q: What is the next step for the affected individuals?
A: The affected individuals will need to explore other ways to stay in the U.S. legally, including seeking asylum or applying for a different immigration status.
