With recent shifts in immigration policy, many Venezuelan immigrants who once felt secure in the U.S. are now facing an uncertain future.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) has already been revoked for some, and there is growing fear that asylum protections could be next. One Venezuelan woman, Elena Regalado, says she now feels trapped in limbo, fearing that everything she has worked for could soon be taken away.
SEE ALSO: Temporary Protected Status, explained | Why some immigrants qualify, who doesn’t?
“My Plans Could Fall Apart”
Elena Regalado is one of thousands of Venezuelans in the U.S. who have sought asylum after fleeing difficult conditions in their home country. She worries that her legal status could be at risk.
“My thoughts are that if this was already approved, but suddenly the current government decides that all asylum cases approved from October of last year onward will be canceled, then unfortunately, my plans will fall apart.”
What’s the Difference Between TPS and Asylum?
Many people are wondering: What’s the difference between TPS and asylum?
Here’s a breakdown:
Temporary Protected Status (TPS): A temporary immigration status granted to people from designated countries facing environmental disasters, armed conflicts, or extraordinary conditions that prevent their safe return. It allows them to legally live and work in the U.S.
Asylum: A form of protection that allows people to remain in a country instead of being deported to their home country due to fears of persecution or harm.
Fear of Losing Everything
For Elena and thousands of others, asylum represents more than just legal status—it’s their future. She says the uncertainty makes her feel like everything she has built in the U.S. could be taken away overnight.
“You feel abandoned, like everything you’ve done in this country doesn’t matter. You lose everything because, practically, you’re going to lose everything you’ve worked for.”
A Message to Lawmakers
Elena wants U.S. lawmakers, including the Trump administration, to recognize the difference between law-abiding immigrants and those who come with bad intentions.
“Not all Venezuelans here in the U.S. are criminals, not all of us are terrorists, not all of us are bad. We are people. Find the bad ones if they exist, but for us—the professionals, the decent people, those who have studied and done things the right way in this country—let us stay.”
What’s Next?
KPRC 2 will continue to follow Elena’s journey as she awaits clarity on her immigration status. Will she be able to stay in the U.S. or be forced to return to Venezuela?
MORE FROM RICKY AND JOY: Venezuelan migrant faces uncertainty as Temporary Protective Status ends
