Venezuelan families in Houston face unprecedented separation after President Trump signed a travel ban affecting 12 countries, including Venezuela. The ban, set to take effect June 9, specifically targets various visa categories, raising concerns among Houston’s Venezuelan community.
Immigration Impact on Venezuelan Community
“It is an official ban. He tried this in the past, 2017, 2018, but they never went through because the courts said no, but yes, it is an official action,” says Adriana Bello, Partner at BBA Immigration and dual citizen.
The proclamation specifically restricts several visa categories crucial for Venezuelan nationals. According to Bello, “The Proclamation says that Venezuelans that have visas for student visas, tourism and business which are B1’s, B2’s, student visas which are F1’s J1 visas which our exchange program visas such as the one that a lot of doctors used to come here to United States to go to school and learn won’t be able to enter the United States.”
Key Dates and Visa Status
The implementation timeline proves critical for affected individuals. Bello clarifies, “It says at the last part that its visas are valid after June 9th. It doesn’t say anything about the visas before. It only says that this proclamation does not revoke visas, which means that if you have a tourist visa that is valid right now before June 9, you still have your visa.”
Options for Family Reunification
Despite the restrictions, pathways remain for family reunification through permanent residence applications. “However, the exceptions of the proclamation says that this does not include visas for immediate families, which means that if I’m a US citizen, which I am, and I try to apply for the green card for my parents, back in Venezuela, they should be able to enter, because it’s one of the exceptions,” Bello explains.
Travel Guidelines for Citizens and Residents
U.S. citizens and permanent residents maintain their travel privileges. “As a US citizen, and for example myself, I’m a dual citizen from Venezuela and here, I can go to my country because I’m Venezuelan and to be able to come back I have my US passport so I can... As a permanent resident, green card holder will be the same case as a US citizen. If you have your green card in your hand, valid before June 9th, you will be able to travel. No questions asked,” says Bello.
Travel Advisory and Documentation
However, Bello strongly advises against unnecessary travel during this period. “My recommendation is that if you don’t need to travel abroad, even if you’re a permanent resident, just wait for it so we can see how this is going to be enforced.”
Students face particular risks, with Bello warning, “If you are a student and your visa expires, don’t travel.”
Legal Documentation Requirements
For Venezuelans currently in the U.S., proper documentation remains crucial. “The message that we give in general, it doesn’t matter which status you are, is before you do anything, talk to a lawyer. That will be the first thing... If you are a student, you can have it on your phone, you can have the I-20 copy on your phone, your I-94 on your phone, like it doesn’t, you don’t need to have it printed, but just carry something that in case you’re stopped you can show.”
These documents serve as proof of legal status. “The I-94 is the one that shows your status. So you want to show that if I stops you and you are here, like this is, I’m here. My status still valid,” Bello notes.
Her final advice emphasizes preparedness: “You want to be like the Boy Scouts, like always a step ahead, right? Always be prepared... if you have your documents, if you’re here legally, if you have all your documents that should be fine even if you get stopped.”
For Houston’s Venezuelan community, this travel ban represents more than policy changes—it signifies potential long-term family separations and uncertain reunions. While some rush to enter the U.S. before the June 9 deadline, others must navigate an increasingly complex immigration landscape.