UPDATE: U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has just confirmed the administration’s decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for approximately 600,000 Venezuelans, claiming that conditions in Venezuela have improved. This announcement comes amidst ongoing turmoil in the country, following the detention of Nicolás Maduro.
In an appearance on Fox News Sunday, Noem stated, “Venezuela is more free today than it was yesterday,” insisting that TPS holders have alternative legal pathways, such as applying for refugee status. The administration’s move to end TPS, a program that protects individuals from deportation and grants work authorization, has sparked intense debate and concern among Venezuelans in the United States.
The Trump administration initially terminated TPS for Venezuelans in 2025, a decision that is under scrutiny as legal battles unfold. The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed the termination to proceed, while President Trump has implemented a freeze on asylum applications from 19 countries, including Venezuela.
Amid these developments, newly elected Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins criticized the TPS cuts, calling them “reckless, dangerous, and wrong.” Higgins urged the administration to reinstate protections, emphasizing the ongoing instability in Venezuela which makes it unsafe for individuals to return.
Concerns are mounting among the Venezuelan community in the U.S. following the capture of Maduro and Trump’s statements about the U.S. “running” Venezuela during a transition. Valentina Veloz, a Venezuelan resident in Tampa, expressed her distress, stating, “Once again, I have to change my life plans because of political decisions that are completely out of my control.” Veloz had previously planned to return to Venezuela but is now reconsidering due to safety concerns.
Advocates are sounding alarms about the rollback of TPS, highlighting the vulnerabilities it creates for families already suffering from the impacts of the Maduro regime. “We are victims of the Nicolás Maduro regime, but we are also victims of the Trump administration policies,” said Adelys Ferro of the Venezuelan-American Caucus.
As the situation develops, officials and community leaders are calling for immediate action to support Venezuelans facing uncertainty. The implications of this TPS termination are profound, affecting not only the legal status of many individuals but also their safety and livelihood.
What’s Next: As the legal battles continue, Venezuelan TPS holders are urged to explore available legal options. The administration’s stance raises critical questions about the future of countless families in the U.S. and the impact of U.S. foreign policy on individuals fleeing violence and instability.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
