DORAL, Fla. — The Venezuelan community in ‘Little Venezuela,’ the largest enclave of Venezuelans in the United States, is celebrating the news of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado winning the Nobel Peace Prize. However, this joy is clouded by the prospect of deportations looming over many community members due to changes in U.S. immigration policies.
The Trump administration's decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and humanitarian parole programs has put over 700,000 Venezuelans at risk of deportation. Many fear they could be forcibly returned to a country ravaged by economic and political instability.
Machado's Nobel win, which acknowledges her efforts towards restoring democracy in Venezuela, comes amid a wave of despair for those living in the U.S., who are now facing uncertainty about their legal status. Since 2014, over 7.7 million Venezuelans have fled their country, making it one of the largest migration crises in Latin America.
While Machado has publicly acknowledged her appreciation for the U.S. support, her alignment with the Trump government raises questions about her ability to advocate for Venezuelans currently at risk.
Feedback from Venezuelans in Doral reflects this dichotomy: while many are proud of Machado’s recognition, many remain skeptical about its potential impact on their immigration status. Activists and community leaders are calling for renewed efforts to find more stable protections for Venezuelan migrants.
Streets filled with Venezuelan flags and celebratory posters after Machado’s announcement seemed quiet as many went about their daily routines. Some, like retiree Iris Wilthew, express hope that the Nobel Prize could galvanize further support for Venezuelans suffering both in the U.S. and their homeland.
“She is a tireless fighter,” Wilthew noted, emphasizing Machado's dedication to her country's plight even while facing her own challenges in a foreign land.
