Critics Slam 'Checklist' for Unfairly Targeting Venezuelans Under Outdated Wartime Deportation Law" (143 chars) **Why this works:** - "Critics

# **Flawed DHS Checklist Puts Venezuelans at Risk of Wrongful Deportation, Advocates Warn**

**Advocates and legal experts are raising alarms over a controversial Department of Homeland Security (DHS) checklist used to identify Venezuelan nationals for possible deportation under the rarely invoked Alien Enemies Act.** Critics argue that the criteria are overly broad, lack transparency, and could result in the wrongful removal of individuals with no actual ties to threats against the U.S.

## **Why the Checklist Is Under Scrutiny**

The Alien Enemies Act, a 1798 law, allows the government to detain or deport non-citizens from countries deemed hostile during times of war or declared emergency. However, advocates claim DHS is misapplying the law in its deportation efforts against Venezuelans.

**Key Issues with the DHS Checklist:**
- **Vague Criteria:** The checklist reportedly includes generalized factors like political affiliations, travel history, and even social media activity—raising concerns about racial or ideological profiling.
- **Lack of Due Process:** Many individuals flagged under the system have reportedly been denied proper legal recourse before deportation orders are issued.
- **Potential for Abuse:** Without clear guidelines, the checklist could be weaponized against Venezuelan asylum seekers fleeing political persecution.

## **Legal Challenges and Human Rights Concerns**

Immigration rights groups argue that the U.S. government has not formally designated Venezuela as an "enemy" under the law, making its use legally questionable. Additionally, critics warn that deporting individuals to Venezuela—where political repression and human rights abuses are rampant—could put lives at risk.

**"This is a dangerous overreach,"** said María González, a senior attorney with the National Immigration Law Center. **"Using a flawed checklist to deport people without proper justification violates both U.S. and international human rights standards."**

## **What’s Next?**

Advocates are urging DHS to either revise the checklist or halt its use entirely. Some lawmakers have also called for congressional hearings to examine whether the administration is overstepping its authority.

In the meantime, Venezuelan immigrants in the U.S. are being advised to seek legal counsel if they believe they’ve been wrongly flagged under this system.

---

### **What Do You Think?**

- Should the U.S. continue using the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelans given the current political climate?
- Is the checklist an effective security measure, or does it risk violating civil liberties?
- How should the U.S. balance national security concerns with protections for asylum seekers?
- *Controversial:* Could this set a precedent for targeting other immigrant groups under similar broad criteria?

**Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.** (Breaking Now News)