Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans officially ended this month, removing legal protection for thousands of families who built their lives in the United States.<\/p>\n
The federal program, known as TPS, allowed Venezuelans to stay and work legally while their country faced political unrest and economic collapse. That protection is now gone.<\/p>\n
Families in panic<\/p>\n
Immigration attorney Javier Gonzalez says the change has left many in Houston afraid and confused about what comes next.<\/p>\n
\u201cPanic, panic. A lot of Venezuelans are coming looking for relief. A lot of them don\u2019t have options at this point, and it\u2019s heartbreaking because they\u2019re just people trying to live and not have to return to a country they fled,\u201d Gonzalez said.<\/p>\n
Dispute over conditions in Venezuela<\/p>\n
The Trump administration argues that conditions have improved, but Gonzalez disagrees.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, so it\u2019s absolutely not better. No one that\u2019s from Venezuela that came here fleeing the country would tell you that it has gotten better. I don\u2019t see any real change that\u2019s allowing Venezuelans to safely return to their home country and to live a safe life once they\u2019re back,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Fears of persecution<\/p>\n
Gonzalez says Venezuelans who once protested against the government face serious risks if deported.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve seen many cases where people who protested go back and get arrested right away. Some disappear. It\u2019s a huge risk,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
What happens next<\/p>\n
Without TPS, Venezuelans who have lived legally in Houston for years are now out of status. Many will lose work permits and driver\u2019s licenses and could be detained by immigration officers.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re afraid of being deported, you need to go talk to an immigration attorney and look for relief. Otherwise, you\u2019re at risk of being detained at any time,\u201d Gonzalez said.<\/p>\n
Gonzalez says some families still have time to apply for asylum or other humanitarian protection but warns the process is complex and time is limited.<\/p>\n
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