A massive influx of Venezuelan immigrants is arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border. The Biden administration has granted 470,000 of the first arrivals work permits, which hopes to ease financial strain on areas experiencing the impacts of immigration. Work permits have only been provided to immigrants who have arrived no later than July 31, any immigrants who arrive past that arrival date will not be given the same opportunity. The permits that were given out allow for these Venezuelans to live and work in the U.S. for 18 months. Permits do not typically allow for 18 months, usually, they last for only 12. Given the current state of Venezuela however, Homeland Security has allowed for an extension to provide the Venezuelans time for the country to get back on it’s feet. After the 18-month permit period, they are expected to return to Venezuela.
Venezuela has been experiencing a significant economic crisis in recent years. According to the International Monetary Fund, the country's inflation rate has skyrocketed to 400%, and the unemployment rate was last reported as 35.6% in 2018. This situation is primarily due to Venezuela's reliance on its vast oil reserves, which happen to be the largest in the world. Today the country's oil supply has decreased by about 75%. Adding to this issue is the current hyperinflation in the global economy, which makes it difficult for citizens to acquire goods. The current global economic environment comes at a bad time for Venezuela, in 2019, the U.S. imposed sanctions on the country for "helping suppress democracy." These sanctions continue today and have caused a decline in oil production and investment.
Given the news that America had given out work permits - Enrique Valenzuela the director of the State Council on Population in Chihuahua Mexico said “The latest measures by the U.S. government represent another pull factor (for immigrants)” Reports in Mexico continue to come in that there are record numbers of immigrants continuing to make their way through Mexico from neighboring countries, to presumably get to the U.S. border. Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas with Homeland Security has stated “Temporary protected status provides individuals already present in the United States with protection from removal when the conditions in their home country prevent their safe return. . . it is critical that Venezuelans understand that those who have arrived here after July 31, 2023 are not eligible for such protection, and instead will be removed when they are found not to have a legal basis to stay.”
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