US President Donald Trump has announced plans to revoke temporary protected status (TPS) for Venezuelans who arrived in the country in recent years, effective April. The move is expected to deport thousands of migrants who have been living in the US without fear of immediate deportation.
Many Venezuelans are concerned about returning home due to the dire economic and political situation in their native country. Maria Uzcatedui, a restaurant owner and member of the Illinois Venezuelan Society, fears that her organization’s designation will eventually be revoked, putting her livelihood at risk.
Uzcatedui and other migrants argue that they have contributed to US society by paying taxes and providing employment opportunities. They say Trump should prioritize deporting criminals over hardworking immigrants like themselves.
The US government claims that economic conditions in Venezuela have improved, but many Venezuelans disagree. Ana Gil Garcia of the Illinois Venezuelan Society has received dozens of calls from fearful migrants whose passports were taken away by the US government.
With their passports gone, these migrants feel trapped and are forced to live in the shadows. Some fear for their lives if they return home, citing torture and persecution as risks.
As the deportation timeline approaches, many Venezuelans hold onto hope that Trump will have a change of heart and reconsider his decision.
Source: https://abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-immigration-news-new-arrival-venezuelan-migrants-face-threat-deportation-no-temporary-protected-status/15899205