What President Trump has said about U.S. action in Venezuela
In early January 2026, President Trump announced limited U.S. military involvement in Venezuela, describing the operation as a targeted national-security action aimed at addressing threats posed by the Venezuelan regime and affiliated actors. According to the President, the operation was not a broad invasion, but a focused intervention intended to destabilize illicit networks, protect U.S. interests, and remove Maduro from leadership amid ongoing political and humanitarian crises.
While details continue to emerge, the President emphasized that Venezuela remains unstable, dangerous, and unpredictable, and that U.S. involvement reflects the seriousness of the situation rather than an improvement in country conditions.
Why this matters for Venezuelan asylum seekers
U.S. asylum cases are decided largely on current country conditions. Major military or political developments—especially those involving foreign intervention—can significantly affect how asylum officers and immigration judges evaluate fear of return.
Importantly, U.S. military involvement does not automatically mean Venezuela is “safer.” In many cases, it may indicate the opposite: heightened instability, retaliation, internal violence, and breakdowns in state protection.
Potential effects on asylum cases
Depending on an individual’s profile, these developments may affect asylum claims in several ways:
- Changed country conditions: Escalation may support arguments that fear of persecution remains well-founded or has intensified.
- Increased retaliation risk: Political opponents, protesters, activists, journalists, and perceived dissidents may face greater danger during periods of upheaval.
- State protection concerns: Even if leadership changes or weakens, asylum law focuses on whether the government is unable or unwilling to protect individuals from harm—including harm by non-state actors.
- Withholding of removal and CAT claims: In situations involving detention, military activity, or abuses by security forces, these forms of protection may become especially relevant.
- Late-filed asylum claims: For some applicants, recent events may support a “changed circumstances” exception to the one-year filing deadline.
Be cautious with updates and evidence
Rapidly evolving events often lead to misinformation. Immigration cases are credibility-driven, and poorly sourced or inconsistent updates can harm a case. Any supplemental filings should be carefully prepared, consistent with prior submissions, and supported by reliable evidence.
How Law Offices of Daniel A. Lorber can help
At Law Offices of Daniel A. Lorber, PC, we assist Venezuelan clients with:
- asylum, withholding of removal, and CAT protection,
- updating cases based on new country conditions,
- preparing detailed declarations and evidence packets,
- addressing late-filing and changed-circumstances arguments,
- representing clients in Immigration Court and before USCIS.
If you are concerned about how recent U.S. military involvement in Venezuela may affect your case—or a loved one’s case—we can evaluate your options and develop a strategy tailored to your specific circumstances.