Deportation flights from the U.S. to Venezuela will resume after Caracas agreed to receive its citizens who illegally entered the U.S. This follows a temporary suspension of the flights triggered by U.S. sanctions on Chevron. The announcement was made by Richard Grenell, Special Envoy, and confirmed by Venezuelan officials. Approximately 366 Venezuelans have been repatriated on prior flights.
The United States and Venezuela have announced the resumption of deportation flights, which had been suspended recently due to tensions surrounding sanctions. Richard Grenell, the U.S. Special Envoy, stated, “I am pleased to announce that Venezuela has agreed to resume flights to pick up their citizens who broke US Immigration Laws and entered the US illegally.” The flights are scheduled to recommence on Friday.
Jorge Rodriguez, the Venezuelan National Assembly’s leader, echoed the announcement, confirming Venezuela’s agreement to facilitate the repatriation of its citizens through the “Return to the Homeland Plan.” This plan aims to assist Venezuelans currently residing illegally in the U.S.
The collaboration between the two nations on the deportation flights has seen positive outcomes, with 366 Venezuelans already repatriated via Conviasa, the Venezuelan state airline, which operates under U.S. sanctions. However, in February, tensions erupted when the Trump administration revoked Chevron’s sanctions waiver, leading to Caracas suspending the deportation agreement.
Despite these challenges, it remains uncertain what factors led Venezuela to restore cooperation. Since the onset of the crisis, over seven million Venezuelans have sought refuge abroad, particularly in Latin America. The Trump administration has indicated potential plans to deport around 600,000 Venezuelans currently protected from removal under the Biden administration’s policies regarding high-risk countries.
While Grenell has engaged with Venezuelan officials, the U.S. does not officially recognize President Nicolas Maduro as the legitimate leader, instead supporting opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia.
In conclusion, the U.S. and Venezuela are set to revive deportation flights, marking a significant development in Venezuelan-American relations amidst ongoing diplomatic tensions. The resumption of these flights also reflects a broader context of migration and political instability affecting millions of Venezuelans. The partnership’s future will hinge on both nations’ further negotiations and handling of bilateral issues.
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