The Biden administration announced on Thursday that it will restart direct repatriation flights for Venezuelans who unlawfully cross the border and do not establish a legal basis to remain in the country. The Venezuelan government has agreed to accept deported migrants, according to a senior administration official. This move aligns with the Biden-Harris administration’s approach of expanding safe, lawful pathways while imposing consequences for irregular border crossings. Individuals who arrived after July and are in federal custody will be promptly removed in the coming days. The recent decision to grant temporary protected status (TPS) to certain Venezuelans does not affect this practice, as it aligns with historical policy. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas emphasized that those arriving after July 31, 2023, are not eligible for TPS protection and will be subject to removal if they lack a legal basis to stay. This decision follows discussions in Mexico City involving leaders from the United States, Mexico, Colombia, and Panama regarding coordinated efforts to address irregular migration in the Western Hemisphere.
