Instant Insight

30-Second Take

• The Doral City Council has unanimously approved a resolution urging the federal government to find a permanent solution for Venezuelans affected by the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
• The resolution supports the Venezuelan Adjustment Act, aiming to provide a pathway to permanent residency for law-abiding Venezuelan immigrants.
• This move highlights the significant impact of TPS termination on the large Venezuelan community in Doral, Florida.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

On February 12, 2025, the Doral City Council approved a resolution calling on the federal government to address the plight of Venezuelans facing TPS termination. This decision reflects the council’s commitment to supporting the local Venezuelan community, which constitutes about 40% of Doral’s population.

Core Players

• Rafael Pineyro – Doral City Councilman and sponsor of the resolution
• Christi Fraga – Mayor of Doral and co-sponsor of the resolution
• Venezuelan Community in Doral – Approximately 40% of the city’s population
• Federal Government – Target of the resolution, particularly the administration of President Trump

Key Numbers

• 300,000 – Number of Venezuelans under TPS as of 2021
• 600 – Number of Venezuelans identified as part of the Tren de Aragua group, a small fraction of the total TPS recipients
• 40% – Percentage of Doral’s population that is Venezuelan
• 1,600 – Number of political prisoners in Venezuela, highlighting the risks faced by deported Venezuelans

Full Depth

Complete Coverage

The Catalyst

The recent termination of TPS for Venezuelans has created a crisis for many law-abiding immigrants living in the United States. Councilman Rafael Pineyro, the only Venezuelan American on the Doral City Council, felt compelled to bring this issue forward.

“First of all, as the only Venezuelan American part of this council, I felt certainly the obligation to bring this forward,” Pineyro said.

Inside Forces

The resolution is a unified stance by the Doral City Council to highlight the contributions of Venezuelan immigrants to the community. Pineyro emphasized that Venezuelans have significantly contributed to the city’s economy and growth.

“Close to 40% of the Doral population is composed of Venezuelan immigrants who have helped the city’s economy grow, making it one of the most vibrant communities in Miami-Dade County and among the fastest growing cities in the nation,” Pineyro noted.

Power Dynamics

The Doral City Council’s resolution is not intended to confront President Trump’s immigration policies but rather to encourage collaborative efforts for a common solution. Mayor Christi Fraga and Councilwoman Maureen Porras supported the inclusion of language requesting a permanent solution for Venezuelans.

“This is a stand to represent those who sometimes feel voiceless,” Fraga said. “I know the anxiousness that’s felt throughout the community at this time.”

Outside Impact

The termination of TPS for Venezuelans has broader implications, including the risk of deportation back to a country with severe human rights violations. Pineyro highlighted the dangers faced by Venezuelans if they are returned to their home country.

“We’re talking about sending good Venezuelans, professionals and families, back to a country that doesn’t respect human rights,” Pineyro warned.

Future Forces

The resolution sets the stage for future advocacy and legislative efforts. The council hopes that the federal government will consider the Venezuelan Adjustment Act, providing a pathway to permanent residency for eligible Venezuelans.

Key areas for future action include:

• Advocacy for the Venezuelan Adjustment Act
• Extension or reinstatement of TPS for Venezuelans
• Collaboration with federal and state authorities to find a permanent solution

Data Points

• February 12, 2025: Doral City Council approves the resolution
• 2021: Over 300,000 Venezuelans under TPS
• 600: Number of Venezuelans identified as part of the Tren de Aragua group
• 40%: Percentage of Doral’s population that is Venezuelan
• 1,600: Number of political prisoners in Venezuela