The situation in Venezuela continues to evoke strong emotions, especially among its expatriates. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has urged Venezuelans to consider returning home due to changing political conditions. This recommendation comes despite the ongoing volatility in the country under Nicolás Maduro’s regime.
DHS Encourages Venezuelan Return
Recent statements from DHS officials suggest that conditions in Venezuela have improved. Tricia McLaughlin, DHS assistant secretary, highlighted that Venezuelans in the U.S. under temporary protected status (TPS) can return home with hope for a stable future.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Ending
- Over 600,000 Venezuelans had TPS, which the Trump administration ended last year.
- The administration claimed improved conditions in Venezuela justified the termination of this status.
However, many Venezuelans are skeptical. Sebastian, a 28-year-old architect residing in Miami, expressed concern about the safety of returning home. He felt disillusioned after learning that U.S. forces had captured Maduro but later discovered that discussions were ongoing with Maduro’s administration.
Current Risks in Venezuela
The U.S. State Department has issued warnings against travel to Venezuela, citing severe risks, including:
- Wrongful detention
- Torture in detention
- Terrorism and kidnapping
- Crime and civil unrest
- Poor health infrastructure
Moreover, the arrest of at least 14 journalists in recent days signals ongoing repression in the country. Luis Falcón, a former member of the Presidential Honor Guard who fled Venezuela in 2017, cautioned that the current environment is perilous for anyone considering a return.
Human Rights Concerns
Falcón believes that returning now would expose him to severe risks, including potential imprisonment or torture. He argues that TPS should be reinstated until a definitive government transition occurs in Venezuela.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated that Venezuela is currently “more free than it was yesterday,” prompting skepticism from critics. Immigration attorney Lily Axelrod clarified that to apply for refugee status, individuals must be outside the U.S., making DHS’s guidance misleading for current TPS holders.
The pathway for Venezuelans in the U.S. remains complicated, with the option for asylum still available, albeit challenging. Axelrod emphasizes that while times may seem frightening, there remains hope for democracy and peace in Venezuela.
