Uncertainty in Miami’s ‘Little Venezuela’ Following Trump’s Immigration Moves
The Trump administration’s ending of certain federal programs, which allowed over 700,000 Venezuelans legal residency in the U.S., has alarmed the Doral community in Florida. With many residents relying on Temporary Protected Status, calls for advocacy and legal pathways are growing amidst fears of deportation. The political response has largely been muted, leaving uncertainty for the Venezuelan population in the U.S.
On February 3, the Trump administration terminated two federal programs that provided legal residency to over 700,000 Venezuelans in the United States. This development has sparked widespread concern the Venezuelan community in Doral, Florida, known as “Little Venezuela.” Residents fear for their future and the potential loss of their legal protections amidst ongoing lawsuits aimed at halting government actions.
Wilmer Escaray, who fled Venezuela in 2007 and now owns multiple businesses, has employed many Venezuelan migrants. He expressed concern over the potential deportation of workers who rely on these protections. In Doral, the cultural presence of Venezuelans is notable, with Spanish predominating the local interactions, evoking feelings of home along the busy avenues.
Individuals like John, who has lived in the U.S. for nine years, rely on Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which allows them to live and work in the country due to unsafe conditions in their homeland. While their five-year-old daughter is a U.S. citizen, the couple is apprehensive about being forced to leave the country, as returning to Venezuela is not a viable option for them.
Following a federal order on March 31, TPS status was temporarily maintained, offering some reprieve to 350,000 Venezuelans. Nevertheless, many individuals might face deportation if the humanitarian parole program, which has allowed hundreds of thousands from various nations to live legally in the U.S., expires on April 24 without legal intervention.
The political response has been tepid, with few Republicans opposing the administration’s deportation plans, aside from a handful of Cuban-American representatives who advocated for a review of TPS cases. Doral’s mayor even appealed to President Trump for a path to legality for non-criminal Venezuelans, underscoring their commitment to work and contribute to America rather than seek welfare.
Since 2014, approximately 8 million Venezuelans have fled their country, seeking refuge primarily in Latin America before the COVID-19 pandemic prompted many to aim for the United States. Over the years, Doral has witnessed a growing and diverse Venezuelan population ranging from professionals to those seeking work in service sectors, all contributing to the local economy and cultural landscape.
The Venezuelan American Chamber of Commerce president noted the pervasive uncertainty in Doral regarding residency and legal status. Many residents share a collective anxiety about their future as the political climate surrounding immigration remains volatile within the U.S.
The termination of key legal protections for Venezuelan migrants by the Trump administration has created significant anxiety within the Doral community, known as “Little Venezuela.” As many residents depend on Temporary Protected Status and fear the implications of potential deportation, calls for legal pathways to residency gain momentum. The political landscape remains largely unresponsive, leaving many Venezuelans uncertain about their future in the United States amidst ongoing legal battles and advocacy for their rights.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
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