Venezuelans Celebrate Trump’s Victory, Hope for Positive Change in Their Homeland

Venezuelans are celebrating Donald Trump’s re-election, with many hoping his foreign policy will bring much-needed reform to their homeland. For a population that has fled from a collapsing economy and authoritarian rule, Trump’s victory is seen as a potential turning point after years of worsening conditions under Nicolás Maduro’s regime. In contrast to the Biden administration’s approach, which expanded a Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for Venezuelans, Trump’s emphasis on curbing illegal immigration has even led some Venezuelans to reconsider making the trek to the U.S., according to a report from the New York Times.

Pedro Ron, a 28-year-old Venezuelan now living in Bogotá, Colombia, described scenes of celebration in his neighborhood after Trump’s victory. “Everybody was like, ‘I hope Trump lends a hand to help,’” Ron said, echoing the sentiment that Trump’s leadership could bring a renewed focus on ousting Maduro and stabilizing the country.

Why Venezuelans See Trump as a Beacon of Change

• Hopes for Stronger Foreign Policy: Many Venezuelans believe Trump will bring more assertive U.S. influence in Latin America. By contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris’s role as Border Czar under the Biden administration failed to address the root causes of migration from Venezuela, fueling further disillusionment with American leadership. Trump has criticized Biden’s stance, saying it weakened U.S. leverage over Latin American leaders and allowed Venezuela to shift its problems onto the U.S.

• Crackdown on Illegal Immigration: Daniel Garcia, a Venezuelan who planned to enter the U.S. illegally, abandoned his plans after Trump’s election, stating, “I prefer not to risk it.” This sentiment is growing among migrants, many of whom previously believed that Biden’s policies created a de facto open door for Venezuelans. With Trump back in office, they anticipate a stronger stance on illegal immigration and clearer policies to address legitimate asylum claims.

• Maduro’s Uncertain Position: Maduro, who faced severe sanctions under Trump, has signaled an attempt at diplomacy, saying, “In his first government … Trump wasn’t good to us [but] this is a new start.” However, Trump’s past approach left no ambiguity, with a firm stance that Maduro’s regime must face consequences. Maduro’s last-minute attempt to appease Trump suggests he knows the sanctions could be reinstated or even intensified.

Under Biden, the Department of Homeland Security has expanded overtime for agents processing the TPS backlog, granting work permits and temporary protection to thousands of illegal immigrants already in the U.S. This accelerated approach, especially as three large migrant caravans head north from Mexico, raises questions about America’s capacity to handle the influx. TPS decisions, often made based on a simple yes-or-no application process, have spurred criticism for failing to thoroughly vet applicants.

In contrast, Trump has pledged to stop what he describes as a “dumping” of criminals by foreign governments, especially from nations like Venezuela. During his previous term, he had pressured countries into accepting deported criminals, including members of the notorious MS-13 gang. Now, he is prepared to return to that strategy, vowing to hold Latin American leaders accountable and restore stricter border policies that align with national security interests.

As migrant caravans make their way toward the U.S. border, many Venezuelans are recalibrating their plans in light of Trump’s anticipated policies. Trump’s vision includes a stronger focus on law and order at the border, a shift that some believe will restore stability and, in the long run, incentivize improvement within their own country rather than reliance on the U.S. for refuge.

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