The Trump administration’s decision to revoke deportation protections for 600,000 Venezuelans has raised alarms among human rights organizations, immigrant advocacy groups, and political leaders. This move leaves thousands of Venezuelan migrants in the U.S. vulnerable to deportation, despite the ongoing crisis in their home country. With political persecution, economic collapse, and widespread violence still gripping Venezuela, returning migrants face immense risks that could threaten their safety and well-being.

Venezuela remains in a dire humanitarian crisis, with extreme inflation, food and medicine shortages, and a collapsing healthcare system. Many Venezuelans who fled to the U.S. did so to escape political repression, extrajudicial killings, and human rights abuses under Nicolás Maduro’s regime. Reports from the United Nations and Human Rights Watch have documented arbitrary arrests, torture, and disappearances of those who oppose the government. Deporting Venezuelans back to such conditions puts them at risk of imprisonment or worse, especially if they are perceived as political dissidents.

Beyond persecution, daily survival in Venezuela is nearly impossible. The economy has crumbled, with millions living on less than $2 a day and public services such as electricity, water, and fuel supply in constant crisis. Healthcare is in a state of collapse, with hospitals lacking basic medicine and equipment. Those with chronic illnesses or disabilities will face immense hardship upon return. Additionally, Venezuela has one of the highest crime rates in the world, with armed gangs and government-backed militias operating freely, making it one of the most dangerous places to live.

Immigration and human rights organizations have condemned the deportation policy, calling it inhumane and reckless. Senator Bob Menendez and other U.S. lawmakers have urged the administration to reconsider, warning that returning migrants to Venezuela violates fundamental humanitarian principles. Advocacy groups are pushing for renewed protections, such as the Venezuelan Adjustment Act, which could provide legal residency for those at risk. Meanwhile, attorneys are advising Venezuelans facing deportation to seek asylum or other legal options before removals begin.

With no guarantees of safety or survival in Venezuela, the decision to end deportation protections could have devastating consequences. As pressure mounts on the U.S. government to reverse course, the fate of hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan migrants hangs in the balance. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether humanitarian concerns will take precedence over harsh immigration policies.