President Trump’s administration is ending protections for approximately 350,000 Venezuelans living in the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), with Secretary Kristi Noem’s order affecting half of the total beneficiaries set to expire in April. The decision, part of the administration’s immigration crackdown efforts, has thrown Venezuelan immigrants like Henry Carmona into turmoil, fearing for their undocumented status and safety if forced to return to Venezuela. Carmona, who fled threats and violence in Venezuela, now faces uncertainty about his future in the U.S. where he works in construction.

The Department of Homeland Security cited improved conditions in Venezuela as the basis for ending TPS, along with concerns about the large influx of Venezuelan immigrants, including criminal elements like the Tren de Aragua gang. This move aligns with Trump’s focus on deporting undocumented immigrants and addressing security risks posed by certain groups.

The decision has sparked criticism and calls for alternative protections for law-abiding Venezuelans, especially given the ongoing crisis in Venezuela under President Nicolás Maduro’s rule. Opposition leaders are seeking support from Congress to find solutions for affected Venezuelans, emphasizing the need for a safe and prosperous Venezuela for potential returnees.

Immigration advocates in the U.S., particularly in the Venezuelan community in Doral, Florida, are mobilizing against the termination of TPS, arguing that conditions in Venezuela remain unsafe for repatriation. The legal battle over TPS terminations and renewals reflects the complex issues surrounding immigration policy and the challenges faced by vulnerable populations seeking refuge in the U.S.