Deportation flights carrying over a hundred Venezuelans from the U.S. resumed on Wednesday, landing in their economically troubled home country. This marks the first time in years that the U.S. is deporting individuals to Venezuela, signaling a significant concession by President Nicolás Maduro’s government. The Boeing 737 jet took off from Harlingen, Texas, landed in Miami, and then arrived near Caracas, Venezuela’s capital.
The passengers, predominantly Venezuelan women and men, were escorted by U.S. immigration officers and subjected to security measures. The Biden administration plans to conduct multiple deportation flights weekly to Venezuela as outlined in a U.S. Transportation Department waiver. This move follows recent agreements between Venezuela’s government and opposition on electoral conditions, leading to some sanctions relief by the U.S. Department of Treasury.
The deported migrants, facing a homeland in crisis, undergo health tests and official questioning upon arrival. Venezuela attributes its migration challenges to economic sanctions, and the government pledges resources to assist returnees. U.S. immigration authorities prioritize recent arrivals and individuals with criminal records for deportation. The country’s complex social, political, and economic crisis, exacerbated by oil price fluctuations and mismanagement, awaits the returning migrants.
The deportations aim to address a surge in Venezuelan migration straining immigration systems. Despite previous measures, the threat of deportation does not deter many from attempting to enter the U.S. The restart of deportation flights coincides with the Biden administration granting temporary legal status to Venezuelans arriving in the U.S. by July 31, easing work authorization and deportation concerns.
Experts and immigration attorneys advise Venezuelans to apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to prevent repatriation. Mexico also agrees to admit some deported Venezuelans, acknowledging their inability to return to Venezuela. August saw over 22,000 Venezuelans arrested for illegal border crossings, posing challenges in major U.S. cities.
Source: AP NEWS
