DHS Advocates Venezuelans' Return Amid Maduro Government Concerns

Recently, a crowd of anti-Maduro supporters was seen raising Venezuelan flags in front of the federal courthouse located in Lower Manhattan, New York.

For Sebastian, a 28-year-old Venezuelan architect based in Miami, the past days have brought a whirlwind of emotions. Wishing to keep his identity semi-anonymous due to his pending immigration case, Sebastian recounted how news from Venezuela on the morning of January 3 momentarily lifted his spirits.

"I felt reassured," he shared with NPR, "believing for a while that a transformative shift might happen back home."

Yet, later that day, President Trump held a press briefing indicating collaboration with key figures in Venezuela's leadership. His comments dimmed Sebastian's hope, as he sensed that Venezuela was far from safe.

Despite these concerns, Trump's administration asserts that it's now safe for Venezuelans, particularly those who had temporary protected status (TPS) in the U.S., to return. Over 600,000 Venezuelans were affected when the administration evaluated and declared improved conditions in the country last year.

Tricia McLaughlin, a senior DHS official, expressed optimism: "For those under TPS from Venezuela, they can now return with the promise of a nation poised for peace and growth."

But Sebastian, who sought refuge in the U.S. just in 2023, remains skeptical. "The narrative flipped by saying Venezuela's conditions are better, yet the U.S. feels it's necessary to extract government leaders. This is contradictory—things have worsened," he explained.

The State Department still advises avoiding travel to Venezuela due to threats including wrongful detention, civil unrest, poor legal enforcement, and inadequate healthcare.

Meanwhile, 14 journalists from various global media outlets found themselves detained in Venezuela recently, illustrating ongoing attempts to stifle dissent against Maduro.

Risks of Repatriation

Luis Falcón, another displaced Venezuelan, described the potential dangers. Once involved with Venezuela's Presidential Honor Guard, he opposed Maduro post-retirement and subsequently faced oppressive threats, prompting his escape to America.

"Although progress is made in Venezuela, true freedom and opportunities are distant goals," he remarked. "Returning equates to imprisonment or worse for me now."

Falcón argues that TPS should remain in place until Venezuela undergoes a full governmental overhaul. Nevertheless, the Trump administration was adamant about the exodus of those under temporary status.

Immigration Policy Realities

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, on Fox News, suggested a brighter future for a comparatively liberated Venezuela, offering TPS recipients the chance to apply for refugee status.

However, attorneys quickly countered that claim. Immigration lawyer Lily Axelrod, based in Memphis, Tennessee, pointed out discrepancies; she notes that filing for refugee status necessitates being beyond U.S. borders—a fact seemingly ignored in policy statements.

"There's concern, but also optimism," Axelrod reflected. "We aspire for a democratic Venezuela and viable paths for those wishing to remain here."