Democrats have been calling for protections to Venezuelans while the humanitarian crisis worsens.

Yesterday, 24 U.S. Senators sent a letter to Trump requesting to grant a Temporary Protection Status (TPS) to Venezuelans in the United States. But freshman Florida Senator Rick Scott did not sign the letter, as he continues to refuse to take any real action on supporting Venezuelans who have fled the Maduro regime and are living in Florida. By not signing the letter, Senator Scott is passively supporting Trump’s policy that continues to deport and detain hundreds of Venezuelans in the United States.

This is not the first time that Rick Scott shows his true colors regarding immigration and protections for those in our communities. In the past, he pushed for bills that would criminalize immigrants and has opposed the DREAM Act. Now he is refusing to protect Venezuelans fleeing from repression and the humanitarian crisis in their country.

“Scott said that he would support TPS for Venezuelans, but when real actions are happening to make this a reality, he stays away and ignores the requests from the community,” said FDP Chair Terrie Rizzo. “Once again, Rick Scott is saying one thing in public for political gain, while refusing to take actual action. Now is the time when legislators need to put pressure on this administration to make sure that members of our communities are protected after fleeing authoritarian regimes.”