600,000 Venezuelans face U.S. deportation after Maduro raid
An estimated 600,000 Venezuelans living in the United States may soon face deportation following major changes in U.S. immigration policy after a high-profile operation targeting Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
For years, many Venezuelans were allowed to remain in the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a program granted due to Venezuela’s economic collapse and ongoing human rights concerns. Those protections have now been withdrawn, leaving hundreds of thousands without legal status.
Two separate TPS designations previously shielded Venezuelans from removal. One, issued in 2023, covered roughly 348,000 people and was terminated earlier this year. Another, dating back to 2021, applied to about 268,000 individuals and expired late last year.
U.S. officials argue that conditions in Venezuela have changed following recent developments involving the Maduro government. Federal immigration authorities have publicly encouraged Venezuelans without legal status to return voluntarily or risk forced removal.
The Department of Homeland Security has said that former TPS holders may seek refugee-related relief. However, immigration advocates point out that asylum processing remains suspended under current policy, limiting legal options for those affected. Venezuela’s inclusion on a broader travel restriction list has further complicated the situation.
Lawmakers have raised concerns about increased deportation activity. Following a recent inspection of immigration detention facilities, Democratic Rep. Dan Goldman said officials indicated that deportation flights to Venezuela could be expanded.
Historically, Venezuela has accepted only a limited number of deportees, leading U.S. authorities to send some migrants to third countries to speed up removals. Federal officials maintain that deportation flights have continued without interruption.
While some Venezuelans remain eligible for visas or permanent residency through other legal pathways, advocates warn that many now face uncertainty, job loss, and family separation as enforcement intensifies.
