Andreina Rodriguez, her husband, Jose Luis, and their daughter, Vicki, left Chicago behindThe city where they tried to rebuild their lives for more than two years. with end Temporary protection status (TPSfor its abbreviation in English) for Venezuelans and Growing fear of raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Icefor its abbreviation in English) The family packed their belongings and returned to Venezuela.
Andrina and Jose Luis They came to the United States looking for stability, Work and a more promising future To his nine-year-old daughter. in chicagoThey both work in a spare parts warehouse and adjust to work and school routine. but, Advertising TPS suspension His fate suddenly changed.
In conversation with UnivisionAndreina mentioned that Fear of a possible ICE raid was crucial. “I always said, ‘Oh my God, how are you? They catch us and deport us, but our daughter stays here. “That was my biggest fear.”Comment.
The idea of leaving your daughter alone in a foreign country It led them to decide to return to their home in the state of Táchirain western Venezuela.
Little Vicki didn’t escape the emotional impact either. Andrina said that her daughter “doesn’t want to come back” and that seeing her saying goodbye to her cousin was a very difficult moment.Which he considers his sister. One day when I went to drop her off at nursery, she said to me: “Mom, sometimes I get scared. Don’t come to pick me up‘. “That day my voice broke,” he recalled while crying.
The family made the trip with only a few of their possessions, leaving behind what they had managed to build in the United States. Andrina recalled the moment they packed their bags: “We organized everything in the room. I said, ‘Oh my God, I don’t know if he will give me the chance to be here again.’ I cried a lot.”.
Upon his arrival in Tachira, the reception was emotional. They were waiting for them with lanera music – a favorite of José Luis – and mariachi music.. Hugs from family and familiar faces have brought back some peace, even though the memory of Chicago is still heavy. “When I see pictures of raids in the city, I think of those I left there.”Andreina said.
It was TPS A major tool for thousands of Venezuelans Those who fled the crisis in their country. This temporary immigration status They were allowed to reside legally in the United States-Get permissions Work, drive and travel Within a North American country without risk of deportation. but, Everything changed at 11:59 p.m. On November 7, 2025when The benefit has expired officially.
According to the platform report I’m on the borderthose affected They were left unprotected, deported and without a work permit.
Although the majority lost benefits, Citizenship and Immigration Service (Uscisfor its abbreviation in English) explained Some groups will retain protection until 2026.
the supreme court Justice in the United States He authorized the immediate cancellation of the program on October 3 2025. However, beneficiaries with current documents will be able to continue their work legally until October 2026, as detailed by the organization.
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