An Ongoing Immigration Crisis
Human Rights Violations Within the US’ Treatment of Venezuelan Immigrants Abstract Current immigration situations within the US are fraught, and the case of Venezuelan immigrants is no exception. Since 2021, they have been designated for Temporary Protected Status, which allows them to be safe from deportation and work legally in the United States . However, recent changes under the Trump administration have jeopardized that status. Beyond that, President Trump has used an 18th century law, the Alien Enemies Act, to quickly deport Venezuelans who are accused of being members of a transnational gang. However, these actions have violated US domestic law, domestic court orders, and international human rights provisions. This paper will examine the recent actions that have been taken surrounding Venezuelan immigrants and their human rights implications. Background Information The Origins of Venezuela’s Humanitarian Crisis Since oil was first discovered in Venezuela in 1922, the country has centered its entire economy around oil production, at the expense of other sectors. As the oil industry continued to grow, the Venezuelan government looked for ways to maximize its profits. In 1976, the oil industry was nationalized after years of significant taxation on foreign oil companies operating in Venezuela. While the oil industry sustained Venezuela and made it a prospering economy for many decades, that success would not last. In 1998, Hugo Chavez was elected to the Venezuelan presidency on a socialist platform. From then on, oil production began to decline, as did democratic processes. As democracy eroded in the country, decreased […]