On June 24, two devastating earthquakes struck Venezuela, killing thousands and displacing countless more – driving the country into a deeper humanitarian crisis. This catastrophe occurs at a moment when many Venezuelan refugees are growing disillusioned; the U.S. tells them it is safe to return home even as it sits side-by-side with sanctioned leaders from the regime that they fled. In this episode, we hear from Ana Maria Diez, a human rights lawyer and Venezuelan living in displacement, to understand the current earthquake response efforts and how this emergency is affecting people who have faced a longstanding humanitarian, economic, and political crisis. She talks about the false narrative that conditions have improved since Maduro's capture, how the Trump administration is cozying up with officials in the regime it claims to have overthrown, and the importance of advancing Venezuelan refugees' rights to participate in a democratic transition of the government. Timed Takeaways: [5:58] The fallout from the earthquakes and potential government interference in recovery efforts [15:20] Turning back the clock: why have 8 million people fled Venezuela? [18:16] Ana Maria's story: forced to flee her country [21:47] Same regime, different face: how the U.S. is backing repressive Maduro-aligned leaders [31:06] The power of collective action in the refugee-led movement [39:29] What it really means to leave your country [42:08] Maria's story: the toll of compounding crises on Venezuelans [47:53] Roundup: Displacement in the news this week Mentioned in This Episode: <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/03/us/politics/trump-capture-maduro-venezuela.html"> Inside 'Operation Absolute Resolve,' the U.S. Effort to Capture Maduro</a> - New York Times <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/30/world/americas/trump-machado-venezuela-rift.html"> U.S. Undercuts Venezuela's Opposition Leader as She Tries to Return</a>- New York Times <a href="https://www.unocha.org/publications/report/venezuela-bolivarian-republic/earthquakes-venezuela-situation-report-13-06-july-2026-time-0800-pm"> Earthquakes in Venezuela: Situation Report #13</a> - UNOCHA <a href="https://www.fwd.us/news/temporary-protected-status-report/">Temporary Protected Status protects families while also boosting the U.S. economy</a> - FWD.us <a href="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/venezuela/article316409827.html"> U.S. handshakes with Cabello sparks outrage across Venezuelan social media</a> - Miami Herald <a href="https://www.state.gov/diosdado-cabello-rondon">Narcotics Rewards Program: Diosdado Cabello Rondón</a> - U.S. Department of State <a href="https://x.com/DHSgov/status/2007885303760207889">Trump administration tweet ending TPS for Venezuelans</a> - X <a href="https://www.iom.int/international-technical-meeting-human

What do Venezuela's Earthquakes Mean for its Refugee Crisis and for U.S. Immigration Policy? With Ana Maria Diez

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