The United States has announced that it will resume the deportation of Venezuelan nationals who enter the country illegally and fail to establish a legal basis to remain. The decision was made in an effort to enforce immigration laws and strengthen consequences for those who unlawfully cross the border. The announcement was made on October 5, 2023.
According to a press release, the United States is committed to the humane, safe, and orderly enforcement of immigration rules. The administration has been working to provide legal avenues for entry into the country, including for Venezuelans. This has resulted in the lawful entry of hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans through the humanitarian parole process and appointments made via the CBP One mobile application.
The decision to resume deportations follows Venezuela's agreement to accept the return of its nationals. The United States emphasized the importance of addressing the broader regional challenge posed by irregular migration. The Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection, adopted by President Biden and 20 other leaders last year, aims to coordinate actions to manage migration flows and borders, with repatriation being a central component of this strategy.
The United States praised the efforts of nations in the hemisphere that are tackling the issue of mass migration and continues to support these nations as they strengthen their asylum systems. The administration strongly encourages migrants to use legal avenues provided for entry, rather than risking their lives with smugglers and illegal border crossings.
Preliminary Department of Homeland Security statistics obtained by CBS News indicate that approximately 50,000 migrants from crisis-stricken Venezuela crossed the U.S.-Mexico border unlawfully last month alone. This highlights the urgency of addressing the issue and finding sustainable solutions.
