The city council in Doral, Florida, a municipality with the largest population of Venezuelans in the US, has faced a delicate balance as they navigate President Donald Trump’s immigration policy changes. The rollback of deportation protections for Venezuelans threatens hundreds of thousands of residents, many of whom are American citizens and play a pivotal role in local elections.
Council member Rafael Pineyro proposed a resolution urging President Trump to find a solution for law-abiding Venezuelans, citing the significant contributions of the Venezuelan community to Doral’s economy. However, he emphasized that the council’s goal is not to create a confrontation with Trump but rather to work together to find a solution.
The city’s shift towards the Republican Party has led to a dramatic transformation in recent years, with every current council member now a Republican. Vice Mayor Maureen Porras, who switched her party affiliation in January, urged the council to support a permanent solution such as congressional proposals that would grant permanent resident status to Venezuelans.
Adelys Ferro, executive director of the Venezuelan American Caucus, acknowledged the efforts but pointed out that a permanent solution is unlikely in the near future. She stressed that Venezuelans with deportation protections contribute significantly to the local economy and are not criminals but hardworking individuals striving for a better life.
Mayor Christi Fraga emphasized Doral’s commitment to advocating for the Venezuelan community, stressing that the city does not define the population by a small minority but rather supports the majority of law-abiding individuals who have made significant contributions.
Source: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/immigration/article300209949.html