Miami Mayor Urges Trump to Restore Venezuelan TPS Immediately

Eileen Higgins' Plea to the Trump Administration

Eileen Higgins, the newly appointed mayor of Miami, has called on President Trump to restore Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans. This request follows recent actions concerning Venezuela's leadership.

On Saturday, Mayor Higgins strongly criticized the Trump administration's decision to terminate TPS for Venezuelans by early 2025, labeling the move as 'irresponsible and hazardous.' She urged President Trump to take immediate action and reinstate TPS.

Venezuelan Community in Miami

Miami hosts a significant community of Venezuelan expatriates. Higgins, who recently took office, has been vocal about her concerns for their safety and wellbeing in light of current conditions in Venezuela.

"Given the current turmoil in Venezuela, it is evident that it remains an unsafe environment," Higgins stated, emphasizing that no one should be forced to return to an unstable and uncertain situation.

Legal Challenges and Supreme Court Decisions

Temporary Protected Status has shielded over 350,000 Venezuelans in the United States from deportation by allowing them work permits as their home country faces crises like conflict and natural calamities.

However, in October, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the administration to proceed with plans to terminate these protections, overturning previous legal barriers that had paused the termination of TPS for Venezuelans.

Government's Position on TPS Termination

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the administration’s decision, explaining that such determinations are a collaborative effort involving the State Department and the White House.

"Those previously covered by TPS can still apply for refugee status, and these applications will be reviewed accordingly," Noem reassured, underscoring the importance of adherence to legal standards.

The Department of Homeland Security later stated that, with the end of TPS, many Venezuelans may now return to their native country.