U.S. Launches Deportation Flights to Curb Venezuelan Migration

The United States has begun deportation flights to Venezuela in an effort to curb the record number of illegal crossings at the U.S. southern border. The deportations follow an agreement by the Venezuelan government to hold competitive elections next year, which allows the Biden administration to ease economic sanctions. The number of Venezuelan migrants crossing the border illegally has reached historic levels, causing strain on shelters in U.S. cities. Previously, Venezuelans faced little risk of deportation, but now the Biden administration plans to send multiple deportation flights per week to Venezuela. The administration has also expanded opportunities for Venezuelans to enter the United States legally, but those who crossed illegally after a certain date will be deported if they do not qualify for humanitarian protection.