The nonprofit organization Venezuelans and Immigrants Aid (VIA) has raised concerns about the impact of the latest immigration measures announced by the White House, which will directly affect the Venezuelan community in the United States. The suspension of B1/B2 tourist visas, F and M student visas, and J exchange visas for several nationalities, including Venezuelans, presents new obstacles for individuals seeking legal and safe pathways to reunite with family, pursue education, or start business ventures.

Venezuela’s Humanitarian Crisis Behind the Migration Flow
“VIA fully recognizes the right of every country to establish its own immigration and security policies,” the organization stated in its official release. However, VIA warned that these new restrictions will disproportionately affect thousands of Venezuelans who were forced to leave their country due to a prolonged political, economic, and humanitarian crisis.

The organization reminded that Venezuela is currently facing the second-largest displacement crisis in the world, after Syria. “This is a complex humanitarian emergency that has forced nearly nine million people to flee, not because of a conventional war, but as a result of a systematic process of institutional destruction,” VIA said.

Concerns About Program Cancellations and Increased Stigmatization
VIA also expressed deep concern about the potential elimination of legal pathways like the CHNV humanitarian parole and the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program. Both, the organization emphasized, are “orderly, safe, and humanitarian mechanisms that should be strengthened, not canceled.”

The organization also pointed to the growing stigmatization of Venezuelan migrants in public discourse. “We reject the use of the mistakes of a small minority to tarnish the dignity of an entire community that, in its vast majority, is hard-working, law-abiding, and eager to contribute positively to their host countries,” VIA said.

Lack of Consular Services and Barriers to Identity Verification
VIA echoed the recent statements from the U.S. government acknowledging the lack of cooperation from the Venezuelan regime in identity verification processes. This, the organization stated, is yet another example of the deep institutional collapse affecting Venezuelans both inside and outside the country. “Obtaining a valid passport or official documentation in Venezuela—or even abroad—is extremely difficult, especially in the United States where there is no Venezuelan embassy or consulate,” VIA noted.

In this context, even voluntary departure is not a realistic option for many migrants who lack basic travel documents. VIA stressed that policy discussions must focus on the root causes of this migration crisis. “The origin of this crisis lies in the repression, authoritarianism, corruption, and systematic negligence of those who have usurped power in Venezuela. They are directly responsible for the exodus and despair of millions of Venezuelans,” the organization said.

A Call for More Humane and Contextualized Responses
VIA called on governments in receiving countries to adopt a more humane and context-driven approach when addressing Venezuelan migration. The organization also reaffirmed its commitment to the community. “To our Venezuelan brothers and sisters, both inside and outside the country, we reaffirm that VIA will always be a voice that defends you, a hand that supports you, and an organization that firmly believes in your dignity, your resilience, and your right to a safe, legal, and just life,” the statement concluded.