US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has declared that Venezuelan nationals living in the United States under the now-terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) programme have the opportunity to apply for refugee status. The announcement comes amidst significant political upheaval in Venezuela following the capture of former leader Nicolás Maduro.
Noem Outlines US Demands for Venezuelan Leadership
Speaking on Fox News Sunday from the White House Oval Office, Kristi Noem stated the US seeks a cooperative leader in Venezuela. She emphasised the need for a partner committed to protecting America from drug trafficking and terrorists entering the country. Noem's comments followed the dramatic capture of Nicolás Maduro by US forces on Saturday and the subsequent naming of Delcy Rodríguez as interim president by Venezuelan authorities.
"Venezuela today is more free than it was yesterday," Noem asserted during the interview. She clarified the administration's position on immigration, stating, "Every individual that was under TPS has the opportunity to apply for refugee status. We need to make sure that our programs actually mean something, and that we're following the law."
Over 600,000 Venezuelans Affected by TPS Revocation
The policy shift has profound implications for the Venezuelan diaspora in the US. Four months ago, Noem terminated the 2021 Biden-era TPS designation for Venezuela, determining it was "contrary to the US national interest." This decision affected over 250,000 individuals. They joined approximately 350,000 other Venezuelans who had previously lost TPS under an earlier order, bringing the total impacted to around 600,000.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson justified the move, citing Venezuela's "substantial role in driving irregular migration" to the US, which they claimed directly undermined the Trump administration's immigration policies.
Legal Battles and Political Backlash Intensify
The revocation has triggered legal challenges and political dissent, particularly in Florida, which is home to more than half of all Venezuelan TPS holders in the US. Many there now face legal battles to remain in the country after their work permits were revoked.
Elaine Higgins, the Democratic Mayor of Miami, publicly criticised the administration's decision on Saturday. She called for the restoration of TPS, labelling the revocation as "reckless, dangerous, and wrong." Higgins argued that the current instability in Venezuela makes the country unsafe for returns, adding, "No one should be forced back into chaos and uncertainty."
Noem conveyed a stark message from former President Donald Trump to Venezuela's new interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez. The message was described as "very matter-of-fact and very clear: you can lead or you can get out of the way, because we're not going to allow you to continue to subvert American influence." The US demands a free Venezuela that cooperates on security rather than harbouring dictators who perpetuate crime and drug trafficking.
