New immigrants from Venezuela in Chicago could be deported as they lack temporary protected status

CHICAGO (WLS) — There have been sweeping immigration changes across the country under the Trump administration.

ABC7 took a look at “immigration protected status” for Venezuelans who arrived to Chicago recently and now face the threat of deportation.

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A 45-year-old man from Venezuela, who moved to Chicago in 2023, spoke with ABC7 but preferred not to reveal his identity. Since his arrival, he has been employed at a warehouse and hopes to bring his wife and two daughters to join him in Chicago.

“We only want a better future for our children and feel free,” he said.

But the dream of living in America may not happen for him or his family.

The Trump administration has advanced the deadline to April for ending temporary protected status (TPS) for Venezuelan immigrants who came to the U.S. in recent years. Officials argue that the economic situation in Venezuela has improved, a statement that many Venezuelans disagree with.

“I think right now, it’s worse than ever related to politics and dictatorship,” said Maria Uzcatedui, Rica Arepa restaurant owner.

Uzcatedui, a Venezuelan restaurant owner in Chicago, has been able to remain in the country due to the extended TPS program. Although her status is not immediately affected by Trump’s latest decision, she expresses concern that it could impact her in the future.

“We’ve been doing things the right way,” Uzcatedui said. “We’ve been contributing, paying taxes, giving people employment.”

Uzcatedui and others agree Trump should deport criminals, but leave hard working immigrants alone.

Ana Gil Garcia with the Illinois Venezuelan Society said her organization has fielded dozens of calls from fearful migrants, whose passports were taken by the U.S. government and they say it’s too dangerous to return.

“What people don’t understand is for Venezuelans, we do not have a place to go,” Gil Garcia said.

Many said they will risk living in the shadows. Once a successful Venezuelan businessman, one migrant who spoke to ABC7 fears for his life if he returns to his home country.

“We are going to be tortured and we are going to go through many things,” he said.

All hope President Trump has a change of heart.