Recently, emotions have been running high for Sebastian, a 28-year-old architect from Venezuela now living in Miami. Sebastian felt a surge of hope when he heard that U.S. forces had captured President Nicolás Maduro on January 3. “I thought there’d be a radical change in Venezuela,” he shared. “Maybe things would be different.”
However, that optimism quickly faded. President Trump announced that his administration was in talks with Maduro’s deputy, Delcy Rodríguez, to discuss plans for running the country. This news left Sebastian feeling disappointed and concerned. “The danger in Venezuela is still real,” he said.
The Trump administration insists that conditions in Venezuela have improved, stating it’s safe for Venezuelans with temporary protected status (TPS) to return. Last year, the administration ended TPS for over 600,000 Venezuelans. “Now they can go home with hope,” said Tricia McLaughlin from the Department of Homeland Security.
Yet, Sebastian challenges that perspective. “If conditions have improved, why did the U.S. have to capture Maduro?” he questioned. “It feels contradictory. The situation seems worse.”
The U.S. State Department advises citizens against traveling to Venezuela, highlighting risks like wrongful detention, crime, and health issues. Recent reports indicate that at least 14 journalists were detained in Venezuela as armed groups sought to stifle any support for Maduro’s ousting.
Luis Falcón, who fled Venezuela in 2017, emphasizes the dangers of returning. “Going back means jail, torture, or worse,” he warned. Falcón believes TPS should be reinstated until there’s a solid transition of power in Venezuela. Despite this, the administration insists that those with TPS must leave.
Secretary Kristi Noem has stated that Venezuela is “more free than it was yesterday” and that TPS holders can apply for refugee status. But immigration experts like Lily Axelrod argue otherwise. “An immigrant must be outside the U.S. to apply for refugee status,” she explained. Though Venezuelans can apply for asylum, it’s a complicated process, especially after recent pauses in decisions.
Amidst this turmoil, there’s a shared hope for democracy and stability in Venezuela. “It’s a frightening time, but also a hopeful one,” Axelrod noted. “We all want a better future for Venezuelans, whether they choose to stay or return.”
For more details on the current situation in Venezuela and recommendations for those thinking of returning, check the U.S. Embassy’s security alerts.
