On the recordJuly 23, 2019
I support this bipartisan bill to extend temporary protected status to Venezuela. There are over 400,000 Venezuelans living in the United States, and more than half live in Florida. About 200,000 of these men and women would receive TPS if this bill becomes law. They could work legally, pay taxes, and contribute to our economy for a period of time, without living in fear of deportation. Venezuela is in absolute crisis, and making Venezuelans in the U.S. go home right now is immoral. In many cases, it could be a death sentence. Requiring people who have sought refuge in America to return to a failed state violates our core values as a nation. Let me be clear: Passing TPS is a critical step, but it seeks to treat the symptom of a disease rather than trying to cure the disease itself. The disease is the cruel, undemocratic, and incompetent regime of Nicolas Maduro. For Venezuela to prosper and for the U.S. to protect its national security, the Maduro regime must go. America should work with its allies in the region and use all elements of our national power to support the Venezuelan patriots who are fighting to reclaim their country from the regime that has destroyed it. Then, and only then, will Venezuela be sufficiently stable and safe so these proud Venezuelans can return to the country they love.
