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Doral council reaffirms support for Venezuelan Adjustment Act, urges federal action
Summary
After public comment from community leaders, the Doral City Council voted to transmit a resolution urging congressional support for HR 1348, the Venezuelan Adjustment Act, and to provide outreach to affected residents after the suspension of Temporary Protected Status.
The Doral City Council on March 12 voted to reaffirm the city's support for the Venezuelan Adjustment Act (HR 1348) and to request city assistance in outreach after recent changes to Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans.
Councilman Rafael Pinedo, who placed the item on the agenda, said the resolution updates a 2023 posture and asks the city clerk to transmit copies to federal legislators, including the bill sponsors and local congressional delegations. "The city of Doral remains committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of our Venezuelan residents," Pinedo said on the record.
Public comment featured multiple speakers from the Venezuelan community. Lisa Albornoz thanked the council for earlier action and described the bill as "a pathway to stability and opportunity for people who have fled dictatorship, political persecution, and economic collapse." Community organizer Mildred Rodriguez and Francisco Rodriguez described multi-year advocacy efforts; Mildred told the council the reintroduction of HR 1348 on Feb. 13, 2025, reflected growing bipartisan support and urged local leaders to press federal lawmakers to act.
Council members from multiple parties offered co-sponsorship or support on the resolution during the meeting. Councilwoman Digna Cabral and Councilwoman Nicole Reynoso each verbally agreed to be cosponsors on the record; several council members asked staff to transmit the approved resolution to the bill sponsors and to South Florida congressional offices.
Why it matters Doral is home to a large Venezuelan population. The resolution is symbolic legislation by a municipal government but intended to add local political support for federal immigration relief tied to HR 1348. Council direction also asked city staff to share community resources and legal assistance information with affected residents.
What the resolution directs - Transmit copies of the resolution to the bill sponsors and local congressional representatives. - Continue community engagement with local Venezuelan organizations and advocacy groups to provide information about legal resources. - Use city communications to help disseminate information about available resources and support services.
Proponents in the chamber emphasized the local demographic impact and sustained advocacy by community leaders; the council passed the resolution on a recorded roll call.
