A video showing the alleged departure of a Venezuelan from the United States to her home country has gone viral on social media, gaining thousands of views in less than 24 hours.
In the scene, humorously recreated, a young woman is seen deciding to self-deport and return to her country following the measures adopted by the Trump administration.
But instead of appearing downtrodden and defeated, the girl turns to a U.S. police officer who doesn't even speak Spanish well to help her with her luggage and take her to the airport.
"I'm going back to my country, you don't want me here, I'm leaving. But you are going to take me," she tells the officer.
After filling the patrol car with things, the girl snaps that they also need to take one of her cousins.
"That kid is without TPS, without parole, and without a Costco card. What is he going to do here?" he questioned.
The video was recorded by the influencers known as El Cuartico, who are very popular among Venezuelan fans.
Since Donald Trump's arrival at the White House, the situation of Venezuelan migrants in the United States has undergone a drastic transformation, characterized by restrictive legal measures and increasing legal insecurity.
The Trump administration canceled the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) granted to hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans in 2021, leaving them vulnerable to deportation.
Although a federal court partially halted that decision, extending TPS until October 2026, the Administration immediately responded with appeals, leaving about 600,000 Venezuelans in legal limbo.
Additionally, Trump ended the humanitarian parole program that allowed the legal entry of nearly 530,000 migrants, including Venezuelans, under the administration of former President Biden. The legal climate remains uncertain, and many face the risk of losing their temporary status.
Community impact and reactions
In areas with a strong Venezuelan presence, such as Doral (Florida), the atmosphere is one of pain and outrage. Many feel betrayed, as during the election campaign, the Republican leader stated that migrants with criminal records would be pursued.
Communities fear job loss, family separation, and deportation to a country still facing political persecution, hyperinflation, and critical shortages.
According to analysts, for the first time in decades, the United States may face a net outflow of immigrants, worsening the shortages in key sectors such as agriculture, construction, and hospitality.
In this context, the self-deportation program promoted by Trump represents a strategic shift: instead of forcibly deporting individuals, the aim is to persuade undocumented people to leave the United States voluntarily, using tactical and economic incentives.
It is a new strategy from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that offers undocumented immigrants a $1,000 bonus for voluntarily returning to their country, paid upon confirming their departure; free return flights, arranged through the CBP Home app (formerly CBP One), and a temporary waiver of detention or forced deportation, provided that the process is followed.
The Venezuelan community in the United States finds itself caught between changing regulations and a promise of stability that seems to be slipping away.
Meanwhile, defenders and lawyers are preparing legal battles, hoping to protect the rights of those who have sought refuge amid a profound humanitarian crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Immigration Status of Venezuelans in the U.S.
What is the self-deportation program promoted by Trump?
The self-deportation program is a strategy of the Trump administration aimed at persuading undocumented immigrants to voluntarily leave the United States. It offers economic incentives, such as a $1,000 bonus and a free return flight, to those who choose to return to their home countries through the CBP Home application. This measure is part of a shift in immigration policies that seeks to reduce the immigrant population without the need for forced deportations.
Why does the Venezuelan community in the U.S. feel betrayed?
The Venezuelan community in the United States feels betrayed because the promises of stability and immigration protection have been revoked by the Trump administration. The cancellation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and humanitarian parole has left many in a legal limbo, facing the possibility of deportation to a country in crisis. The hopes for protection and the ability to build a life in the U.S. have been thwarted, causing pain and outrage among those affected.
What impact does the revocation of TPS have on Venezuelans in the U.S.?
The revocation of TPS leaves hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans at risk of deportation, affecting their ability to work legally and maintain stability in the United States. This measure has generated deep legal and labor uncertainty, forcing many to consider returning to a country that still faces serious economic and political issues. Furthermore, it has prompted legal reactions defending the rights of migrants, with lawsuits seeking to reverse these decisions.
What alternatives do Venezuelans affected by these immigration policies have?
Venezuelans affected by the revocation of TPS and humanitarian parole can seek other legal avenues such as applying for asylum, though this requires demonstrating persecution in their country of origin. Currently, there are ongoing legal battles to attempt to maintain these protections while cases are resolved in the courts. Some migrants may also explore the possibility of adjusting their status through other immigration programs available in the U.S.
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