Confusion grows among Philadelphia Venezuelans after DHS clarification on refugee status

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Venezuelan community leaders in Philadelphia say the past several days have been a “roller coaster of emotion,” fueled by the capture of Nicolás Maduro and conflicting statements from federal officials about whether some Venezuelans in the United States may qualify for refugee status.

The confusion began after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a live interview with Fox News that “every individual that was under TPS (Temporary Protected Status) has the opportunity to apply for refugee status.”

The Department of Homeland Security later said that Noem’s statement did not say that Venezuelans who were under TPS can apply for refugee status. It adds to uncertainty among Venezuelans who previously held Temporary Protected Status before the program was revoked.

At Puyero Venezuelan Flavor restaurant in Center City, conversations about food are mixed with conversations about politics.

“Anytime there’s a major Venezuelan event, you can expect the restaurant to be full that day!” said restaurant owner Gil Arends.

This weekend, many customers were discussing both Maduro’s capture and Noem’s remarks. Community leaders said the secretary’s statement led some Venezuelans to believe they could apply for refugee status while their country’s future remains in question.

“That was a path of hope for many people. There are many Venezuelans now in limbo,” said Emilio Buitrago, co-founder of Casa de Venezuela.

Last year, the Trump administration revoked Temporary Protected Status for more than 500,000 Venezuelans. DHS later clarified Noem’s comments, saying in a statement to Action News that reads in part, “Applicants are only eligible for refugee status prior to entering the country… Secretary Noem ended Temporary Protected Status for more than 500,000 Venezuelans and now they can go home to a country that they love.”

For many, the backandforth has created more uncertainty. Speaking to Action News through an interpreter, Alex Moreno of Gente de Venezuela said his organization has been receiving more calls. “All of us are hopeful that the Trump administration will provide more clarity and a path forward,” he said.

Community members expressed mixed emotions about Maduro’s removal from power.

“Venezuelans are celebrating the fact that Maduro is no longer president, but we need to wait to see what’s going to happen,” Buitrago said. Moreno added, “We have obviously been very happy at the outcome of Maduro being forced out of power, but there is obviously a lot of um sadness too and uncertainty.”

Buitrago said the community is asking federal officials “to provide a temporary path for Venezuelans to remain here until whatever is going to happen next is safe for them to return.”

In the meantime, Arends said the restaurant has been receiving calls of support. “People saying, ‘Hey, we care about Venezuela, we just want to know how you’re doing.'”

He added, “We want something better for everyone.”

Local Venezuelan leaders say their focus now is on advocacy and speaking with lawmakers about humanitarian needs and a path forward.

Confusion grows among Philadelphia Venezuelans after DHS clarification on refugee status

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