Parting shot: Trump hits Venezuela with sanctions

In a final parting shot, the Trump administration announced that the U.S would strike with sanctions that target a network accused of fronting for President Maduro.

Fronting for Maduro

The U.S. treasury department sanctioned three individuals, ships, and business entities. They are accused of collaborating with the oil firm PDVSA to sidetrack earlier U.S sanctions. When the U.S struck with sanctions, they targeted businesses owned by Maduro. The sanctions were designed to stop him from profiting from the sale of crude oil. Trump has led an international coalition for the past two years in an attempt to put pressure on Maduro to end his illegitimate hold on power.

The White House recognizes opposition leader Juan Guaido as the legitimate leader. They blame Maduro for Venezuela’s economic woes. In a statement, the U.S. treasury secretary Steven T. Munchin stated that the U.S is committed to targeting individuals and organizations collaborating with the Maduro regime’s abuse of Venezuela’s natural resources.

Shields Venezuelan migrants from deportation

With his tenure coming to an end, President Donald Trump shielded tens of thousands of migrants from Venezuela being deported on Tuesday night. Venezuelan exiles have been among his most loyal supporters. They feared losing the same privileged access to the White House during the new Administration.

Donald Trump signed an executive order to defer the removal of over 145,000 Venezuelans who were at risk of being deported to their country. He based his decision on the deplorable condition within Venezuela that constitutes a threat to national security.

“America is a land of opportunity, the hope for a brighter future. Now eligible Venezuelan nationals in the U.S. would receive much-needed immigration relief temporarily.” Senator Marco Rubio said in a statement in support of the decision.

In sharp contrast to Trump’s hardline immigration policies throughout his administration, the last-minute turnaround capped a busy final day in office.

The Trump Administration was the first of more than 50 countries to recognize Juan Guaido as Venezuela’s legitimate leader. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke on the phone with Guiado expressing his respect and appreciation to him to commit to the cause of freedom.

From Wealth to Crisis

Venezuela was once a wealthy oil-producing Nation. The nation has since become a shadow of its former self, having fallen into an economic and political crisis in recent years. More than 5 million residents have suddenly left the country due to a breakdown in public services. There are shortages, including lack of running water, electricity, and petrol.

Migrants from Venezuela are dotted in parts of Latin America. It is estimated that 350,000 live in the U.S., and about 146,000 are not documented legally. This statistic is based on information from the Center for Migration Studies in New York. A number of over 700 Venezuelans have been deported from the U.S. since the Trump administration, while 11,000 more face deportation proceedings.

For years, Venezuelans have clamored for protection from deportation to no effect as Donald Trump pursued a hardline immigration policy. Suddenly, in his final days in office, Trump moves to protect them and grant them wishes they have since clamored for. The order protects from deportation and the right to work. However, democrats would still be interested in introducing legislation and providing additional safeguards.

“Our community would not be used for political games and maneuvers anymore,” said Leopoldo Martinez, Venezuelan-born member of the Democratic National Committee.

Lack of infrastructure has led to disaster for the oil industry, which provides the majority of the country’s revenue. Also, recently the U.S struck with sanctions, which have taken a large toll on the economy. Venezuela has been in the middle of an economic crisis for some years now. The inflation rate is in double figures. The currency is so worthless that even street vendors have resorted to using U.S dollars.