CHICAGO — The Venezuelan community in Chicago is experiencing heightened fear and anxiety due to recent attempts by the Trump administration to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a humanitarian program vital for many immigrants from crisis-hit countries.
Although a federal judge halted efforts to end TPS, the uncertainty surrounding this status has rekindled worries among immigrants who fled Venezuela amidst violence, political persecution, and economic turmoil.
Oscar, a 46-year-old man who fled Venezuela’s National Guard after enduring beatings and extortion threats in 2022, shared his concerns over the potential loss of TPS. He asked to be identified by his first name for confidentiality reasons.
In his home country, Oscar owned a cleaning service and once worked at Goodyear tire company. Now, settled in Chicago, he expresses gratitude for finding refuge in a Sanctuary City, where he can work legally and pursue an education. However, on April 7, his hopes were overshadowed when the Trump administration attempted to rescind TPS, asserting that protecting Venezuelan nationals was contrary to national interests.
The argument, propagated by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, suggested that a significant number of Venezuelans, including members of the Tren de Aragua gang, presented potential security risks upon entering the United States.
This move marked a significant deviation from the Biden administration’s stance, where Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas had recognized the dire conditions in Venezuela, affirming TPS eligibility for Venezuelans based on extraordinary and temporary circumstances.
Recently, U.S. District Judge Edward Chen ruled against Trump’s efforts, calling them discriminatory and baseless. In his comprehensive 78-page order, he argued that generalizing criminal behavior to all Venezuelan TPS beneficiaries constituted racism and highlighted the absence of any legitimate justification for ending the protections.
Judge Chen’s ruling allows Venezuelans with TPS to maintain their legal status until October 2026, bringing some relief to those like Jhon, a 35-year-old recent arrival from Venezuela.
Jhon, who fled political oppression and government threats, sought a new life in Chicago where he is now working at a grocery store and reuniting with his older brother. Sharing his sentiments, he stated, “I am here with the help of God, and I am not afraid of what Trump has been doing because I trust in God.”
The uncertainty surrounding TPS, however, remains a concern for community advocates and organizations.
Immigrant advocacy groups such as Alianza Americas have condemned the scapegoating of the Venezuelan community. They emphasize the significant contributions of Venezuelan immigrants in the United States and oppose using them for partisan gains.
Pastor Kenneth D. Phelps, who oversees the Home Away From Home Center in Chicago, emphasized the community’s support for immigrants facing TPS-related fears. He expressed that the organization aims to provide a sense of home for immigrants, offering a space to worship in their native languages and gather to celebrate their cultures, noting, “When you think of home, you think of family.”
Phelps voiced concerns about the implications of revoking TPS, stressing that the loss of legal status can lead to deportations, job losses, and family separations. He characterized a potential return to Venezuela as returning to a country where lives are at risk rather than a hopeful homecoming.
While the recent court ruling presents a temporary solution, the battle is far from over. In a new legal maneuver, Trump’s legal team has sought to suspend the ruling from Judge Chen, arguing in a 14-page motion that Noem possesses exclusive authority to revoke TPS benefits and that plaintiffs lack standing to challenge her actions.
The ongoing legal developments have sparked renewed vigilance among immigrant communities and their advocates, as they aim to safeguard the stability of TPS holders. Alianza Americas remarked on the implications of Chen’s decision, declaring that immigration policies must not be influenced by bias or arbitrary measures.
Pastor Phelps and others are hopeful that their work fosters unity within the community in the face of adversity. He posited that shared experiences and communal worship can help dismantle stereotypes, leading to deeper understanding among diverse populations.
As the Venezuelan community negotiates this climate of uncertainty, reports from Chicago illustrate both the challenges they face and the resilience they exhibit in pursuit of a better future. Organizations dedicated to advocacy and support continue their pivotal role in assisting immigrants to navigate this turbulent landscape, ensuring that their voices remain heard amid the complexities of U.S. immigration policy.
With similar challenges ahead, many advocates remain steadfast in their mission to fight for fair, legally grounded practices that secure the hopes and lives of TPS holders and the broader immigrant community.
image source from：https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/04/22/chicagos-venezuelan-community-in-limbo-amid-trumps-push-to-end-deportation-protections/
