Many Venezuelans living in the U.S. are worried about being deported due to President Donald Trump ending their temporary protected status (TPS). This protection was originally given under the Biden administration to help Venezuelans escape dangerous conditions in their home country.

Now, with that protection ending, some are trying to go to Canada — both legally and illegally — to avoid deportation. Immigration experts say many of them don’t realize they might qualify to move to Canada legally, and instead risk unsafe journeys across the border, sometimes using smugglers.

Under a Canada-U.S. agreement, people usually must ask for asylum in the first country they arrive in (so usually the U.S.), but some Venezuelans are waiting 14 days after crossing illegally into Canada before applying, as this can be a legal loophole.

Canada doesn’t deport Venezuelans back due to the country’s violence and human rights abuses, making it a safer option for many.

Meanwhile, the U.S. has already started deporting some Venezuelans, especially those it claims are tied to gangs like Tren de Aragua, even sending some to Guantanamo Bay or prisons in El Salvador. Many of their families say they’re innocent.

The Trump administration plans to end protection for over 500,000 migrants from Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, and Nicaragua. A court paused the move, but it could go into effect soon.