North Miami-Dade News

On February 19, 2025, in Washington D.C., a group of U.S. Representatives announced the reintroduction of the Venezuelan Adjustment Act (H.R. 1348). The bill, spearheaded by María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) along with Darren Soto (D-FL), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL), aims to adjust the legal status of certain Venezuelan citizens to that of legally admitted permanent residents if they meet specific criteria, including entry into the United States before December 31, 2021.

Representative Salazar stated, “The oppression of Maduro’s regime and the failure of 21st-century socialism have led to the world’s worst refugee crisis. As long as Maduro remains in power by force, this crisis will only worsen.” She added her pride in reintroducing the bill to provide refuge for those who have endured significant suffering and to prevent them from returning home to face dictatorship repercussions.

The proposed legislation seeks to offer a pathway to legal permanent resident status for many Venezuelans who have resided in the U.S. for years, enabling them to continue contributing significantly to their communities, Florida, and the nation. The act emphasizes the importance of providing security and support to Venezuelans fleeing ongoing political, economic, and humanitarian crises in Venezuela.

Background information highlights that political instability under Nicolás Maduro's authoritarian regime has caused severe shortages of food and medicine in Venezuela. Half of the population lives in poverty, facing food insecurity and an economy that has contracted by over 80% since 2014—more than double the magnitude of the Great Depression in the United States.

Venezuela also reports some of Latin America and the Caribbean's highest rates of homicide and criminal victimization. Additionally, food and medicine shortages have resulted in low infant and maternal mortality rates and a resurgence of previously eradicated diseases like diphtheria and measles.

Due to these ongoing crises, Venezuelans have been among the top nationalities seeking asylum in the U.S. since 2016. Representative Salazar has been at the forefront of efforts to protect Venezuelans from deportation through Temporary Protected Status (TPS) redesignation initiatives. She also sent a letter to Homeland Security regarding protecting CHNV parole programs; however, this does not apply to criminals who will still face deportation.

Salazar represents approximately 30,000 Americans of Venezuelan descent in Florida's Congressional District 27. There are over 750,000 Venezuelans residing in the United States, many having emigrated following their homeland's shift towards socialist tyranny.

For more details on this legislative proposal or its full text visit [link].