The LAW Way

Disclaimer: This blog post is intended solely for educational and informational purposes. It is not legal advice, nor is it intended to influence political positions or actions. I deeply respect the institutions of the United States and the solemnity of their processes. Nothing in this post should be interpreted as criticism, protest, or political messaging. My only purpose is to help clarify complex legal topics for those seeking to understand them.. — Lissie

When I talk about the Venezuelan Adjustment Act (VAA), I’m not talking about politics or statistics. I’m talking about people.

People like the Venezuelan nurse who took care of your father in the hospital. The Uber driver who studied law but now delivers food to support his family. The classmate who comes early and leaves late. The Venezuelan mother who hasn’t seen her children in five years. The professional who had a title back home and a broom here.

The VAA isn’t just a bill. It’s a lifeline.

What Is the VAA?

The Venezuelan Adjustment Act is a community-led, bipartisan immigration bill that would allow eligible Venezuelan nationals who were physically present in the United States before December 31, 2021, to apply for permanent residency.

Yes, it has a cutoff date. And no, it wasn’t created by a politician in Washington or a high-powered lobbying firm.

It was envisioned and brought forward by Mildred Rodríguez, CEO of My Voice Counts Charities Foundation, Inc., along with a committed and diverse team of Venezuelan professionals, students, lawyers, and community volunteers — people who understand firsthand the uncertainty, exhaustion, and longing to simply belong.

This bill is a product of grassroots advocacy, collective resilience, and the belief that immigrants who have contributed to this country for over a decade deserve a path to stability and dignity.

Why That Date?

I understand the concern around the December 31, 2021 cutoff. But let me explain.

The VAA was first introduced in 2022, and like most immigration bills, it needed a clear eligibility group. That’s why the end of the previous full year was chosen. Since then, it has been reintroduced in 2023 and again in 2024. For strategic and legislative consistency, the date remained the same — to preserve bipartisan support and avoid delays in the process.

Will Congress change the date? We don’t know. That decision belongs to them.

What we do know is that this bill is the beginning — not the end.

But What If I’m Not Eligible?

That’s the part that moves me most — because I’ve had to answer this question over and over again:

“Why should I support a bill that doesn’t help me?”

And I always answer: Because it might help someone you love.

It might help your neighbor. Your cousin. Your best friend. Your future business partner. It might help the Venezuelan teacher who deserves to stand in a classroom again. Support isn’t just about benefiting directly. It’s about showing up as a community.

Venezuelans: We Are Immigrants Now

For many years, we Venezuelans saw ourselves as tourists, visitors, or exiles. We came with return tickets, not migration plans.

But the truth is, we are immigrants now. And we have a responsibility to learn how to be an immigrant community — one that shows up, that organizes, that advocates not just for individuals, but for generations to come.

Being an immigrant means: 🤝 Supporting each other 🎯 Committing to collective action 🗣️ Speaking up when others can’t 🌱 Growing through unity

To My American Friends

This message is for you too.

If you’re an employer who has hired a Venezuelan worker, a professor who has taught a Venezuelan student, a neighbor, a friend, a classmate — you have the power to help.

Support the VAA. Not because you have to — but because it’s the right thing to do.

How to Help

📌 Go to www.leydeajustevenezolano.org/en

✅ Sign the petition (if you’re over 18 and live in the U.S.) ✅ Use the “Work Table” tool to send a letter to your Senators and Representatives ✅ Share this blog post or any VAA content ✅ Go with us to Congress — or sponsor someone who can ✅ Speak up in rooms where we still don’t have a voice

Final Thoughts

The Venezuelan Adjustment Act won’t solve everything. But it’s a door. And every door we open brings hope, stability, and the dignity that every human being deserves.

Let’s open this one together.

💛💙❤️ — Lissie