### Venezuelan Migrants in the U.S. Experience Mixed Emotions Following Maduro's Ouster In the wake of the recent military operation that led to the ousting of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, many Venezuelan migrants in the United States are grappling with a complex mix of emotions. While the removal of Maduro is celebrated as a significant political shift, the uncertainty surrounding their own immigration status and the potential for deportation has cast a shadow over their relief. The situation is particularly acute for those without permanent residency, who now face the daunting prospect of returning to a country still under the influence of the Chavista regime. ### Understanding the Emotional Landscape of Venezuelan Migrants 1. **Celebration of Maduro's Ouster**: Many Venezuelans in the U.S. are expressing joy over Maduro's removal, viewing it as a potential turning point for democracy in Venezuela. This sentiment is echoed across various states, including Colorado and New York, where large Venezuelan communities reside [https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2026/01/14/after-celebrating-maduro-ouster-venezuelan-migrants-in-us-fear-what-lies-ahead_6749433_4.html, https://www.timesleaderonline.com/news/international-news/2026/01/venezuelans-in-the-u-s-are-torn-between-joy-and-worry-after-ousting-of-maduro]. 2. **Fear of Deportation**: Despite the celebratory mood, many migrants are anxious about the Trump administration's immigration policies, which may target Venezuelans for deportation. This fear is particularly pronounced among those lacking permanent residency, who feel vulnerable to being sent back to Venezuela [https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-us-migrants-maduro-ouster-tps-deportation-2b00b6057435fafe1828a06bd1e7a14c, https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2026-01-11/while-celebrating-maduros-capture-venezuelan-immigrants-worry-about-deportation]. 3. **Mixed Reactions**: The emotional responses among Venezuelan migrants are not uniform; many express a seesaw of joy and trepidation. Advocacy groups report that while the ousting of Maduro is seen as a positive development, the lingering fear of the Chavista regime and the potential for violence or repression upon return complicate their feelings [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3766285-venezuelan-exiles-react-to-maduros-ouster-with-mixed-emotions, https://www.pressenterprise.com/2026/01/12/venezuelans-in-usa-torn-worried]. ### Key Data Points on Venezuelan Migrants' Sentiments - **Population**: Over 770,000 Venezuelans currently reside in the U.S., many of whom fled the economic collapse and political repression under Maduro's regime [https://www.latestly.com/quickly/us/venezuelans-in-us-torn-between-joy-and-worry-after-ousting-of-nicolas-maduro-7272273.html]. - **Advocacy and Support**: Organizations are mobilizing to assist Venezuelan migrants, providing resources and support as they navigate their uncertain futures [https://www.columbian.com/news/2026/jan/12/venezuelans-in-u-s-are-torn-between-joy-and-worry-after-ousting-of-maduro]. - **Community Sentiment**: Many Venezuelans express a desire to return home but are deeply concerned about the safety and stability of Venezuela post-Maduro [https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/01/11/venezuelans-in-central-florida-may-have-to-return-sparking-fear-and-mixed-emotions]. ### Conclusion: A Complex Future for Venezuelan Migrants In summary, the ousting of Nicolás Maduro has elicited a complex emotional response from Venezuelan migrants in the U.S. **While many celebrate this political shift as a potential pathway to democracy, the fear of deportation and the uncertainty surrounding the future of Venezuela create a challenging landscape for these individuals.** 1. **Celebration of Maduro's removal is prevalent among migrants.** 2. **Concerns about deportation loom large, especially for those without permanent residency.** 3. **Mixed emotions reflect the uncertainty of returning to a country still under Chavista influence.** As the situation evolves, the Venezuelan community in the U.S. will continue to navigate these turbulent waters, balancing hope for their homeland with the realities of their current circumstances [https://mynorthwest.com/national/venezuelans-in-the-us-are-torn-between-joy-and-worry-after-ousting-of-maduro/4186297, https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2026/01/10/its-not-free-venezuelans-in-central-florida-living-in-limbo-as-they-watch-situation-at-home].