Florida’s immigrant communities are facing heightened uncertainty after the expiration of temporary legal protections for thousands of Venezuelan migrants, a policy originally enacted under former U.S. President Joe Biden. The shift has sparked concerns about economic stability in a state where Venezuelans have become integral to local businesses and cultural networks.
In cities like Miami and Orlando, Venezuelan-owned restaurants, construction firms, and retail shops now grapple with workforce instability. Many migrants who arrived under humanitarian protections have spent years building livelihoods, contributing to what analysts call a "quiet economic engine" in sectors ranging from agriculture to tech startups.
Local business owner María González, who fled Caracas in 2019, told reporters: "We’ve poured everything into this community. Now we’re left wondering if our employees can stay – or if our businesses will survive."
The policy reversal comes amid broader debates about immigration’s role in addressing U.S. labor shortages. Florida’s construction and hospitality industries, which rely heavily on migrant workers, could face production delays and increased operational costs, according to regional economic forecasts.
While federal officials emphasize border security priorities, advocacy groups warn of ripple effects: reduced consumer spending in immigrant neighborhoods, strained social services, and family separations. CGTN’s Nitza Soledad Perez highlights how the situation reflects growing global tensions between humanitarian policies and economic realities.
