Mamdani demands that Trump restore TPS for immigrants after the earthquakes in Venezuela
The mayor of New York supported the migrant community and asked to expand current humanitarian measures
The mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdani, called on Donald Trump's Government this Monday to reestablish Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans when visiting a well-known restaurant converted into a donation center after the earthquakes in the Caribbean country.
Mamdani visited the Venezuelan restaurant Lulla's, in Brooklyn, which has become one of the largest centers in the region for the donation of food, medicine and other supplies for Venezuela, expressed his support for Venezuelans in the city and called for "solidarity", which he extended to the Trump Government.
“We will continue to demand that the federal government redesignate TPS for Venezuela and restore humanitarian protections for those living in the U.S. After two major earthquakes and years of political instability, no honest person can dispute that it is safe to return to Venezuela,” he said, according to a statement.
The mayor was accompanied by Immigration Affairs Chief Faiza N. Ali, who urged Washington to “use every humanitarian tool possible,” including authorizing Deferred Enforced Departure, a temporary administrative stay of deportation authorized by the US president, and TPS.
The head of International Affairs, Ana María Archila, also participated, highlighting how New Yorkers have turned to the Venezuelan community, and restaurants like Lulla's, as well as other businesses and volunteers, have established 20 donation points in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, the note indicates.
“Our administration is identifying ways the city can support these community-driven relief efforts while sharing our knowledge as Venezuela moves from emergency response to the long work of recovery and reconstruction,” Archila said.
The authorities collaborated with the volunteers and congratulated the owner of Lulla's, Ivo Diaz, and encouraged anyone who wants to help to come to the establishment.
TPS protects from deportation and grants work permits to foreigners who cannot return to their countries safely due to an emergency, such as war or a natural disaster, but the Trump administration has eliminated it for many countries as part of its tough immigration policy.
Of the 600,000 Venezuelans covered by TPS, 250,000 lost protection last November and the other 350,000 will have their benefits expire next October.