Venezuelans who previously supported Trump are now disillusioned by his administration’s immigration policies, particularly the suspension of Temporary Protected Status. Many individuals feel betrayed as the new policies specifically target Venezuelan immigrants, leading to fears of deportation. This shift has created a sense of shock and disappointment among the community, as they grapple with the implications of being politically exploited for votes without receiving meaningful protection in return.
Venezuelans who supported Trump are feeling betrayed by the new administration, particularly due to harsh immigration policies affecting them. Many, like Pedro Correa, express disbelief that Trump, who gained over 90% of their votes, would implement measures targeting Venezuelan immigrants. Rather than gratitude, they face increased deportation threats, undermining the promise of support made during the campaign against Nicolás Maduro.
Correa, who refrains from expressing regret for supporting Trump, finds himself conflicted. He suggests that while he identifies with conservative values, he cannot reconcile Trump’s immigration stance, especially since Temporary Protected Status (TPS) has been suspended, leaving many Venezuelans vulnerable. Such measures, he feels, tarnish the immigrant image and risk generalizing Venezuelan experiences with those of undocumented individuals.
Luis Patiño, another Venezuelan Trump supporter, views the elimination of TPS as a sobering wake-up call. He believes no informed Venezuelan would approve of the current direction and emphasizes the need for the U.S. to tackle issues in Venezuela directly rather than politicizing immigration. This sentiment resonates throughout the Venezuelan diaspora, which also seeks action against the Maduro regime.
As the Venezuelan community in the U.S. continues to grow—over 1.3 million strong—there is an increasing sense of disenchantment toward the Republican Party. Many voters considered Trump a beacon of hope against Chavismo, yet are now left disappointed. Activists like Adelys Ferro argue that Venezuelans were exploited for electoral gains without receiving substantive support in return.
The Venezuelan demographic is key in Florida, strategically significant in local and national elections, with most supporting the Republican Party. Sociologist Guillermo Grenier highlights the community’s sensitivity to socialist rhetoric, rooted in traumatic experiences with their homeland’s dictatorship. Ferro characterizes this belief in a savior-like leader as a remnant of their struggles, but acknowledges the growing disillusionment with Trump’s policies.
Now, many in the Venezuelan community remain stunned by the policy shifts, feeling used by political rhetoric. The promises of support and protection made during the campaign seem hollow compared to the current reality, marking a period of introspection and dissatisfaction among Venezuelan immigrants. People are beginning to express their shock and disappointment as they see their interests overlooked in favor of political strategy.
The Venezuelan community, once a strong supporter of Trump, now grapples with feelings of betrayal following strict immigration policies and the suspension of vital protections like TPS. This disillusionment highlights the tension between political promises and the lived realities of immigrants. As disappointment spreads, members of this community are now questioning their previous support for a party they felt aligned with their values but seems to have turned against them.
Original Source: english.elpais.com
