In a decision directly affecting thousands of immigrants, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced the revocation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelan citizens living in the country. This measure, which previously allowed refugees from the Venezuelan crisis to legally work in the U.S., will now be reviewed by the government. If new guidelines are not defined by next Sunday (February 2), the protection will automatically be extended for an additional six months.
The revocation of TPS for Venezuelans reflects a sharp turn in the Trump administration, which has intensified efforts to curb illegal immigration and restrict benefits for foreigners. The government argues that the immigration policy of recent years has been permissive and encouraged irregular flows, which, according to the Republican administration, compromises national security and burdens public services.
Currently, it is estimated that over 500,000 Venezuelans live in the U.S., many of whom arrived after the intensification of the economic and political crisis under Nicolás Maduro’s government. Without TPS, much of this population could lose the right to work legally and become targets for mass deportations.
In addition to revoking benefits for Venezuelans, Trump signed new legislation on Wednesday (January 29) mandating the mandatory detention of any illegal immigrant accused of theft or violent crimes. This law expands the powers of law enforcement to detain suspects even before a formal trial. According to the president, this measure is part of a strategy to ensure order and security across U.S. territory.
“Under the Trump administration, we are acting urgently and swiftly to remove these dangerous and violent criminals from our country and restore law and order in our suburbs, cities, and municipalities,” Trump said during the signing of the new legislation.
These actions reflect the centrality of immigration on the Republican government’s political agenda, especially at a time of growing polarization in the U.S. With elections approaching, Trump seeks to reinforce his conservative base and demonstrate firmness in controlling the borders.
The tightening of immigration policy not only impacts immigrants on U.S. soil but also alters the diplomatic dynamics of the United States in Latin America. Historically, relations between Washington and the countries of the southern hemisphere have been marked by issues such as trade, cooperation in fighting drug trafficking, and support for regimes aligned with American interests. However, the focus on illegal immigration has redefined these relations, placing the migration issue at the center of diplomatic interactions.
Political risk consultancy Eurasia points out that this shift in approach will have significant impacts across the region. Central American countries will be most affected by mass deportations, as many illegal immigrants come from this region. These nations will not only have to absorb a large number of citizens returning abruptly but also face a reduction in remittances sent by immigrants working in the U.S. In some Central American countries, such as El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala, these financial transfers represent up to 30% of national GDP.
Experts warn that the reduction of this money flow could trigger an even greater economic crisis in these countries, increasing unemployment and deepening poverty. Paradoxically, this could create new migration flows to the United States, generating a feedback effect.
Mexico will also be one of the main countries impacted, as it is the natural destination for many deported immigrants. However, Eurasia assesses that the Mexican government has already taken steps to handle this pressure, establishing reception centers for deportees and strengthening its border control policies. Additionally, the Mexican administration will have to deal with another crucial challenge: renegotiating the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced the old NAFTA. With Trump hardening his stance, there are fears that the U.S. president will impose new trade conditions as leverage for Mexico to further intensify its crackdown on illegal immigration.
Although Brazil is not directly at the center of Trump’s immigration actions, the effects of this new approach will be felt in the country, particularly in the economic sector. The strengthening of the dollar due to protectionist policies and the tightening of immigration could lead to a further depreciation of the real, pressuring inflation and making imported products more expensive for Brazilians.
Brazil may also face diplomatic challenges if the U.S. government increases pressure for the country to accept a greater number of deported Brazilians. In response to this possibility, Brazilian diplomats met on Wednesday with U.S. officials to discuss the creation of a task force aimed at coordinating deportation flights for Brazilian citizens. The goal of the group is to ensure that repatriates have the necessary conditions for reintegration and to avoid Brazil facing similar problems to those in Central American countries.
In addition to direct impacts, Eurasia points out that the U.S.’s more rigid stance could open the door to a geopolitical realignment in Latin America. With Washington focused on suppressing migration and hardening its relationships with traditional partners, Latin American countries may seek alternatives and deepen their relations with China, which has already expanded its economic presence in the region through investments in infrastructure, technology, and trade.
China has positioned itself as a strategic partner for several Latin American countries, offering financing and trade agreements without the political demands often associated with American aid. This shift could weaken U.S. influence in the region and open space for new global alliances.
The tightening of immigration policies and the reorientation of U.S. diplomacy represent a transitional moment in inter-American relations. While Trump reinforces his political base by adopting tough measures against illegal immigration, he risks deteriorating historical ties with Latin American countries.
The migration issue, far from being definitively resolved, is likely to remain a sensitive topic for both the U.S. and its southern neighbors. How each country in the region responds to this new reality will determine the future of diplomatic relations on the continent.
As the United States increasingly focuses on domestic politics and immigration containment, it remains to be seen whether Latin America will seek alternatives within the regional bloc or deepen its partnership with powers like China. The scenario continues to evolve, and the next few months will be decisive in defining the course of this new phase of U.S. foreign policy.
