Biden Administration Considers Ukraine-Style Parole for Venezuelan Migrants

Key Facts: The Biden administration is working on plans to allow Venezuelans with financial sponsors to enter the U.S. under a humanitarian parole program similar to the one used for Ukrainian refugees, officials told multiple outlets. 

Key Quote: An internal DHS memo obtained by The Daily Caller (Right bias) in September attributed Venezuelans’ increased desire to come to the U.S. to “deteriorating opportunities for Venezuelans in Latin America” and “changing immigration policies.”

For Context: Over 6.8 million refugees and migrants have fled Venezuela, largely due to the 2014 economic crisis. The majority migrated to nearby Central and South American countries, but many eventually made their way to the U.S. — including those recruited from San Antonio, Texas by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to be flown to Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts. Some in the Biden administration are also reportedly considering easing sanctions on Venezuela to boost global oil production and to help alleviate the economic conditions motivating migration. 

How the Media Covered It: While coverage of Venezuelan migrants in the U.S. was common across the spectrum, coverage of the potential parole program was more common in left-rated outlets. Coverage from the left generally focused more on the humanitarian situation, and coverage from the right generally focused more on migrant arrivals in the U.S.