04.10.19

Durbin: If President Trump Truly Cares About Venezuela, He Should Grant TPS Status To Venezuelans In The U.S.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today once again called on President Donald Trump to promptly designate Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to ensure that Venezuelan nationals currently present in the United States are not forced to return to Venezuela at this dangerous time.  In a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing yesterday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo could not tell Durbin whether or not the Trump Administration would offer TPS to approximately 72,000 Venezuelan nationals currently present in the United States who face real danger and chaos if forced to return to Venezuela.

“At a time when some have questioned America’s intentions, real intentions towards Venezuela, this action by President Trump of granting TPS status to Venezuelans in the United States would demonstrate that our true focus is on the safety and well-being of these innocent people.  This is not only the right thing to do, it would fully align the President with his speeches,” Durbin said in a speech on the Senate floor.

Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate Floor are available here.

Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate Floor is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate Floor are available here for TV Stations.

In March, Durbin led 24 Senators in a bipartisan letter to President Donald Trump requesting that his Administration promptly designate Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to ensure that Venezuelan nationals currently present in the United States are not forced to return to Venezuela at this time.

Last year, Durbin traveled to Venezuela where he met with then-President Nicolas Maduro, members of the opposition included Juan Guaidó, the President of the National Assembly, the Ministers of Health and Nutrition, business leaders, civil society groups, doctors, and humanitarian organizations.  He has also spoken with Guaidó by phone to offer his support for his transitional government.  Durbin also recently met with Fabiana Rosales, Venezuelan First Lady and wife to interim President Guaidó.