HOPKINS, Minn. (AP) — Johann Teran, along with his wife and her mother, find themselves facing an uncertain future as immigrants in the United States. Every Sunday, Teran attends a Lutheran service in suburban Minneapolis, seeking solace and hope amidst the challenges they are encountering.
Like many Venezuelans grappling with political and economic turmoil, the family applied for various forms of humanitarian protections in the U.S., only to face setbacks due to policy changes by the Trump administration. Teran expresses feelings of rejection and hopelessness, despite the initial opportunity to be in the country.
The 27-year-old attorney arrived in Minnesota eight months ago under a humanitarian parole program initiated by the Biden administration in 2022. While he was granted a two-year visa, his wife, Karelia, had not received approval before the program was terminated. Additionally, her mother, Marlenia Padron, who obtained temporary protected status (TPS) in 2023, is now facing the imminent end of this protection, along with hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans in similar circumstances.
Padron, 53, shares her concerns about the uncertain future, reflecting on the challenges she faced in Venezuela amid the economic crisis and personal threats. Despite her efforts to work and contribute to society in the U.S., the changing policies have disrupted their plans and left them in a state of limbo.
As the family navigates these challenges, the broader context of instability and human rights violations in Venezuela continues to drive people to seek refuge elsewhere. Experts like Karen Musalo emphasize the importance of recognizing and responding to the humanitarian needs of Venezuelan migrants, especially in light of ongoing crises in their home country.
The journey of the Teran family reflects the struggles and uncertainties faced by many immigrants in the U.S. as they navigate complex legal frameworks and changing immigration policies.
Padron embarked on a journey through various American countries, causing a regional crisis. Initially crossing into Colombia by canoe, navigating a river inhabited by gangs and guerrillas, she felt the need to move on to Mexico and eventually reach the United States. There, she sought asylum from U.S. immigration authorities, a process known to be lengthy. Eventually, she obtained a work permit through the special TPS program and secured a job at a printing press in Minnesota, finding a sense of safety and stability in her new environment.
Despite the challenges of adjusting to the harsh winters, Padron found solace in the snow-covered landscapes, a stark contrast to her native Venezuela. She shared her new experiences, highlighting the peace she found in her daily routine and the sense of security she now felt in her adopted home.
With concerns about her daughter’s inability to join her and the uncertainties of her own future, Padron remained steadfast in her resolve not to return to Venezuela due to fears for her safety. Embracing her Catholic faith, she envisioned a future in the United States where she could create a larger home adorned with religious symbols close to her heart.
Finding a sense of community at Tapestry Church, Padron engaged with fellow Latin American migrants and local congregants in worship services conducted in Spanish and English. Despite the challenges faced by the Venezuelan community, including delays in immigration processing and fears of deportation, individuals like Teran continued to support one another and advocate for their rights.
As Teran navigated the complexities of immigration laws and sought opportunities for his wife, an orthodontist, to join him in the United States, he expressed frustration at the uncertainties and limitations imposed on legal immigrants. With hopes for a brighter future, he remained dedicated to his aspirations of practicing law and contributing to a society where justice prevailed.
In the midst of uncertainties and anxieties, both Padron and Teran found solace in their daily routines and connections with their community, demonstrating resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges posed by immigration policies and bureaucratic hurdles.
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