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Doral council urges federal action for Venezuelans, amends resolution to seek permanent solution
Summary
After extensive public and council comment, Doral's City Council unanimously approved a resolution urging the federal government to work with Congress on a long-term solution for Venezuelans in the U.S.; councilmembers added explicit language seeking a permanent status option.
The Doral City Council on Feb. 12 unanimously approved a resolution urging the Trump administration and Congress to find a permanent solution for law-abiding Venezuelans residing in the United States, and council members amended the measure to add specific language supporting a long-term fix.
Councilwoman Benito, who introduced the item and described herself as the only Venezuelan-American member of the council, framed the resolution as a response to local community concerns and said Venezuelans have been a major part of Doral's growth. "Close to or about 40% of the Doral population is composed of Venezuelan immigrants," she said during her remarks. She urged colleagues to press federal officials for protections and noted an estimated "over 300,000 Venezuelans" hold Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from 2021, while saying "only about close to 600 Venezuelans have been identified" in a separate category referenced in her remarks.
Speakers and council members emphasized that the city's action is intended as advocacy rather than a federal directive. Councilmembers including Nicole Reynoso and Vice Mayor Maureen Porras spoke in support. Vice Mayor Porras proposed adding language to the resolution to ask for a permanent solution beyond TPS, citing proposals such as the Dignity Act or a Venezuelan Adjustment Act. The council voted to include the additional whereas-clause language and approved the amended resolution.
Multiple council members stressed the resolution reflects the council's obligation to represent a large Venezuelan community in Doral. Council comments referenced humanitarian concerns, the number of political prisoners in Venezuela, and prior city-level measures in support of Venezuelan democracy. Public comment at the start of the meeting included one speaker, Isabel Martin, who identified concerns about discrimination and said she was "proud to live here" and thankful for local support of Venezuelan residents.
The motion to approve the amended resolution was made by Councilman Rafael Pinedo and seconded by Councilwoman Nicole Reynoso; the City Clerk recorded the vote as yes by Pinedo, Reynoso, Vice Mayor Porras and Mayor Chrissy Fraga. The resolution directs the mayor and council to send the city's position to federal officials and to pursue outreach with other elected representatives.
