Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins is urging for the reinstatement of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans. This appeal follows escalating instability in Venezuela, which poses severe risks for those who would be forced to return.
Call for TPS Reinstatement
During her recent press conference, Higgins criticized the decision by the Trump administration to end TPS for Venezuelans effective early 2025. She labeled this move as “reckless, dangerous, and wrong.”
Background on TPS
- Temporary Protected Status: A program that provides legal protection from deportation and work permits for individuals fleeing violence and instability in their home countries.
- Over 350,000 Venezuelans in the U.S. are impacted by the current TPS situation.
- U.S. Supreme Court decisions have allowed the administration to move forward with ending TPS protections.
Higgins emphasized that the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela makes it unsafe for individuals to return. She stated that Venezuelans have established lives in Miami, contributing meaningfully to the community.
Government Responses and Statements
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the administration’s stance on TPS. In her remarks, she explained that regulations are created in coordination with the State Department and the White House.
Noem noted that individuals currently under TPS can apply for refugee status. She asserted that proper legal processes must be followed in these cases.
Current Situation in Venezuela
The United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, reports that approximately 7.9 million people have fled Venezuela. This staggering number highlights the severity of the country’s ongoing crisis.
In light of these events, the community and government officials alike are calling for immediate actions to ensure the safety and dignity of Venezuelans residing in the U.S. Reinstating TPS is critical to safeguarding their future while their home country remains in turmoil.
