A coalition of 70 Democratic lawmakers has demanded the Trump administration to promptly reinstate the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans, citing the ongoing "profoundly unstable and dangerous" conditions in Venezuela following the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
The initiative was spearheaded by Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Florida), Darren Soto (Florida), and the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Gregory Meeks (New York). They communicated their concerns in a letter sent on January 9 to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.
The lawmakers contend that the military operation launched by the Trump administration on January 3 to arrest Maduro has increased instability in Venezuela and resulted in heightened repression, as reported by El Nuevo Herald.
According to the letter, the Venezuelan regime, "still in power and emboldened," has escalated brutality against its citizens since then.
The legislators warned that hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans with legal status in the United States are on the brink of losing their work authorization and face potential deportation in the coming weeks, which would have severe economic repercussions for key sectors in Florida and other states.
Despite Maduro's capture and extradition to the United States to face drug trafficking charges, the letter emphasizes that "his criminal associates remain in power," including de facto acting President Delcy Rodríguez, Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López, and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello.
The lawmakers also condemned that, following the U.S. military operation, which involved missile and drone strikes in densely populated areas of Caracas, the regime enacted a new law criminalizing any expression of support for Maduro's removal.
They noted that dozens of individuals, including journalists, have been arrested for text messages or social media posts.
"No Republican signed the letter," confirmed Wasserman Schultz's office, although all Democratic lawmakers from Florida supported the initiative.
On January 4, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the effective end of TPS for Venezuelans, stating that, with Maduro's capture, the country is deemed safe for return.
The announcement, made via an official DHS account, was met with alarm by human rights organizations and migrant communities.
While some in the Venezuelan diaspora celebrated the former leader's arrest, migrants and asylum seekers have warned that dangers persist.
U.S. media reports highlight fears among Venezuelans of being deported to a nation still dominated by Chavista figures where repression continues.
Migrant advocacy groups have cautioned that portraying the cancellation of TPS as a "mission accomplished" distorts Venezuela's reality and could endanger lives amid ongoing internal tensions, institutional decay, and an unresolved social crisis.
Understanding the Impact of TPS Cancellation on Venezuelans
What is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a humanitarian program that allows individuals from certain countries to stay in the United States temporarily due to conditions such as armed conflict or natural disasters in their home countries.
Why are U.S. lawmakers advocating for the reinstatement of TPS for Venezuelans?
Lawmakers argue that despite Maduro's capture, Venezuela remains unstable and dangerous, making it unsafe for Venezuelans to return. They are concerned about the potential deportation of Venezuelans in the U.S., which could have significant economic and humanitarian impacts.
What are the potential consequences of ending TPS for Venezuelans?
Ending TPS could lead to the deportation of thousands of Venezuelans currently residing in the U.S., resulting in economic disruptions in sectors relying on their labor and exposing deportees to potential dangers in Venezuela.