New York, May 21, 2026

From Venezuelans and Immigrants Aid (VIA), we state clearly that recent developments, including the resumption of flights, the reopening of diplomatic relations, and the return of certain political figures from exile, must not be misinterpreted as signs that Venezuela is now safe or normalized.

The reality on the ground for ordinary Venezuelans remains deeply different.

While some public figures may choose to return under political arrangements or personal guarantees, millions of Venezuelans, especially those who openly dissent, still face surveillance, intimidation, arbitrary detention, and retaliation. Human rights organizations and international observers continue documenting restrictions on dissent and the persistence of political prisoners in Venezuela.

For many Venezuelans who fled in search of humanitarian protection, returning is not a symbolic political gesture, it is a real personal risk. Many cannot negotiate their dignity, values, or safety with a system that has repeatedly threatened, imprisoned, persecuted, and in some cases disappeared citizens simply for thinking differently.

The continued presence of armed civilian groups, local control structures, and actors associated with repression means that fear has not disappeared. The reality experienced by many exiles is not the same image of “normalization” currently being projected in some political narratives. Analysts and observers have also warned against prematurely portraying Venezuela as normalized while authoritarian structures remain in place.

Our position is firm:
This is not about political parties, it is a humanitarian and human rights crisis.

Any claim of progress must be measured by one standard only:
whether Venezuelans can truly live, speak, dissent, and exist without fear.

Niurka Meléndez and Héctor Arguinzones
Co-Founders and Directors
Venezuelans and Immigrants Aid (VIA)