Venezuelan Mother Leaves U.S. Amid Fears of Family Separation

Facing the threat of family separation due to U.S. immigration policies, Yessica Rojas fled Missouri with her two children, illustrating the fears shared by many Venezuelan immigrants in America.

Yessica Rojas has recently made a heart-wrenching choice: to leave the United States and return to her home country of Venezuela. After spending less than two years in Missouri with her two young children, Yessiel and Kenyerly, Yessica decided their safety outweighed the pursuit of a better life in America.

This decision was profoundly influenced by reports circulating on social media about other Venezuelan mothers who were deported while American authorities held onto their children, leading to widespread fears among immigrant communities. One recent incident involved a 2-year-old girl named Antonella, who remained in foster care while her mother was sent back to Venezuela. Although Antonella has since been reunited with her family, stories like hers have instilled a deep sense of dread among migrant parents.

Yessica was not alone in her decision; many others appear to be turning away from the United States out of fear. As the Trump administration’s policies became more stringent, including a well-publicized option for a monetary incentive to “self-deport,” reports indicated that a number of immigrants were willingly leaving their American lives behind.

While the exact number of those departing the U.S. remains unclear, a recent flight left from the country carrying approximately 65 people bound for Colombia and Honduras. As Yessica and her children left Branson, Missouri, her experience reflects a growing reality where immigrant families are making dire decisions based on the very real threats they face in pursuit of a safer future.