Since the Trump administration removed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during a late-night military operation, Venezuelan migrants in the United States have expressed a mix of hope and apprehension about the country they fled.

Alejandra Salima, who arrived in the U.S. three years ago with her seven-year-old son and now works at the Miami office of the National TPS Alliance supporting fellow Venezuelans, described the reactions of those she engages with. “The ousting of Maduro is a preliminary step, but we are apprehensive,” she said. “At this point, returning would endanger both me and my son.”

The complex responses of more than 770,000 Venezuelans residing in the U.S. reflect both relief at Maduro’s removal and anxiety about the uncertain future. Many view the change as a positive step after years under a regime that persecuted political opponents and oversaw an economic crisis that forced millions to flee.

Yet, concerns remain for relatives and friends still in Venezuela. As Salima noted, emotions often fluctuate between elation at political developments and worry over personal safety and stability.