The U.S. and Venezuela will restart deportation flights for Venezuelan migrants, following a temporary halt. Richard Grenell confirmed the flights, which aim to protect migrant rights, faced delays due to U.S. sanctions. Human rights groups warn of potential persecution and hardship for returning migrants amid Venezuela’s crisis.
The United States and Venezuela have decided to resume deportation flights for Venezuelan migrants, as confirmed by senior officials from both nations on March 13. Richard Grenell, the special envoy for President Donald Trump, announced the flights would recommence on Friday. Venezuelan lawmaker Jorge Rodríguez, responsible for negotiations regarding migration and sanctions, indicated that the agreement aims to protect the rights of deported individuals.
The background of the situation stems from a significant number of Venezuelans seeking entry into the United States due to an ongoing economic and political crisis. The deportation program faced delays last week when President Nicolás Maduro stated that the airline operations were hindered by the U.S. revocation of a crucial oil license for Chevron, which disrupted their economic operations.
The U.S. administration defended the revocation of the oil license by citing insufficient progress on electoral reforms, as well as apparent delays regarding migrant returns. Maduro’s government denounced this action, labeling it as an element of a broader “economic war” initiated by U.S. sanctions. Following a controversial presidential election wherein Maduro was declared the victor, opposition figures reported significant discrepancies in the election results, leading to international skepticism regarding the legitimacy of Maduro’s government.
The reinstatement of deportation flights is expected to provoke renewed scrutiny from human rights advocates, who express concerns that many repatriated migrants may encounter persecution or dire economic challenges upon their return to Venezuela, given the country’s ongoing crisis.
The resumption of deportation flights between the United States and Venezuela highlights ongoing tensions and humanitarian concerns. While officials claim the initiative is designed to respect the rights of migrants, serious consequences arise from this decision, particularly in light of the dire conditions faced by those returning to a fraught political and economic landscape.
Original Source: www.firstpost.com
