CHICAGO, March 28, 2019 —Venezuela and Nicaragua have been engulfed in prolonged conditions of political instability, forcing many nationals and foreigners residing in  these two countries to seek safety abroad, particularly in neighboring countries. Alianza Americas endorses the expression of support by key Democratic and Republican party leaders for the designation of Temporary Protected Status for nationals of these two nations currently present in the US. Oscar Chacon, Executive Director of Alianza Americas made the following statement about this matter:

“The Trump Administration has stated its concern for the wellbeing of the people of Venezuela and Nicaragua. One concrete measure President Trump can take to protect nationals of these two countries is to designate them for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) protection.  TPS designation would allow them to remain in the United States until a peaceful resolution, that ensures the well being of all citizens, is reached in Venezuela and Nicaragua.

TPS designation does not require legislative action.  President Trump could take this action immediately since existing legislation allows the executive branch of the US government to grant TPS to deserving groups of foreign nationals present in the US. As TPS beneficiaries, Venezuelans and Nicaraguans could remain safe, work in the US with authorization, and would be able to still pursue other forms of humanitarian protection or other immigration benefits for which they may qualify.

Alianza Americas will continue to advocate for a peaceful resolution to the internal situation in both Venezuela and Nicaragua. We will continue to urge the US Administration to refrain from military interventions in these two countries.  The role of the United States should be to enable the Venezuelan and Nicaraguan peoples to find peaceful solutions to their political and economic crisis, in conditions of self-determination. We will continue monitoring the internal situation in these two nations.  We call on the Trump Administration to match its words of concern to humanitarian action, with a TPS designation for these two countries.

Alianza Americas will continue to support our members in their efforts to advocate for fair immigration policies, that include a solution to TPS holders, protecting these and other immigrant families who have come under attack.”

Alianza Americas is a network of 50 immigrant-led organizations representing more than 100,000 families across the United States. It is the only US-based organization rooted in Latino and Caribbean immigrant communities that works transnationally to create an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable way of life. Learn more at alianzaamericas.org.