A Venezuelan immigrant who has lived in Tampa for 11 years is preparing to leave the United States after her Temporary Protected Status expired earlier this month. She chose to leave voluntarily rather than risk deportation.
The woman, who asked to stay anonymous, came to the U.S. in 2014 at age 27 and requested political asylum. She lived under TPS until Nov. 7, when her legal status ended.
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Venezuela no longer meets the conditions for its TPS designation.
“I have been living here for 11 years, and I love the United States,” she said.
During her years in Tampa, she became a licensed esthetician, built a successful beauty business, bought a home and car, and formed deep connections in the community. Now she must make the difficult choice to sell everything and begin again.
“Now I have to come back to Venezuela and start again, you know, in my 40s,” she said. “But I’m faithful. I trust in God and I’m not going to stay here illegal because I don’t deserve this.”
Her decision comes as Immigration and Customs Enforcement steps up operations nationwide. This week, ICE arrested 230 people in Florida, many of whom officials said were violent offenders.
“My heart is so broken because I have to say goodbye to my clients and my life here. It’s hard,” she said.
She expressed fear about both staying in the U.S. without status and returning to Venezuela, yet she refuses to remain in the country illegally.
“I’m afraid to come back to my country and I’m afraid to have eyes, when I’m driving or something. And I feel like we don’t deserve this,” she said.
She also questioned the current immigration approach, especially toward immigrants who contribute to their communities.
“I agree with this government yes — remove people like, you know, like do a criminal thing, okay it’s fine. But people are working here, legal, like paying taxes, giving job to other person and you know like improve the economy. Why? I don’t, you know, I don’t understand,” she said.
Even with her disappointment, she stands by her choice to leave voluntarily.
“I feel sad because I never thought United States can be like this,” she said. “I can’t be illegal here — this is not an option for me.”
She is now transferring her business, settling her affairs, and paying her taxes before returning to Venezuela. Although her future there is uncertain, she’s choosing to leave with dignity.
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