Last Thursday (10/5/23) the Biden administration announced that they will begin deporting Venezuelans directly to their country to curb the influx of crossing at the U.S.–Mexico border. All Venezuelans who cross the border unlawfully and lack legal basis to remain in the U.S. will be deported. The Biden administration added that Venezuela has agreed to accept its nationals when removed.
The Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the new policy will help stabilize flows, expand regular migration pathways, and manage the United States borders humanely. He added that repatriations will play a crucial role in taking a balanced approach. The Biden administration is facing a historic wave of illegal Venezuelan migrants. Fortunately, the Homeland Security Secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, confirmed that they have negotiated a deal with Venezuela to facilitate the process.
In recent years, Venezuelans comprised a large number at U.S. – Mexico border crossing. The United States was unable to deport them due to rusty diplomatic relations with Venezuela. However, with a successful negotiation, the process will be smoother going forward. Mexico has agreed to take some of the illegal migrants. However, the administration and cities receiving the migrants are strained because they have limited resources.
The economic and political turmoil are some of the reasons more than 7.7 million Venezuelans fled the country. Food shortages, limited access to health care, and poor economic conditions are pushing more Venezuelans to leave the country. Recent statistics show that Venezuela has the largest displacement in the Western Hemisphere, surpassing even Ukraine, where there is an active war.
Venezuelans who are apprehended at the border have several options. They can get a fast-track deportation process, detention, return to Mexico voluntarily, or be released as they undergo the immigration process.
