Wasserman Schultz Statement on Reports of Resumption of Venezuelan Repatriation

Washington, October 5, 2023
I applauded the Administration’s recent decision to extend TPS and provide humanitarian parole for Venezuelan migrants, each vital steps that recognize the scale of fear and despair inflicted by Maduro’s regime, and the reality that many no longer have a home to return to. ? For similar reasons, I oppose resuming costly repatriation flights to Venezuela, as well as any step towards resuming commercial travel, without ironclad commitments from Maduro’s regime to address the causes of this displacement crisis: corruption, state violence, and assaults on democracy.

Washington DC -- U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) released the following statement in response to reports that the Biden Administration will resume direct repatriation flights for Venezuelans who unlawfully enter the country: 

“I applauded the Administration’s recent decision to extend TPS and provide humanitarian parole for Venezuelan migrants, each vital steps that recognize the scale of fear and despair inflicted by Maduro’s regime, and the reality that many no longer have a home to return to. 

 

For similar reasons, I oppose resuming costly repatriation flights to Venezuela, as well as any step towards resuming commercial travel, without ironclad commitments from Maduro’s regime to address the causes of this displacement crisis: corruption, state violence, and assaults on democracy. 

 

I am confident that President Biden will maintain his position that progress towards free elections is a necessary precursor for any concessions to the Maduro regime. And I continue to advocate for the swift passage of the VOICE Act, which would impose tangible penalties on regime officials who are complicit in banning opposition candidates and protect Venezuela’s electoral process and civil society from further disintegration. “