WASHINGTON — As political and economic conditions in Venezuela remain dire, some lawmakers in Congress are pushing for immigration reforms to help those seeking refuge in the United States, as well as legislation to strengthen democracy in Venezuela. 

Florida Democratic Reps. Darren Soto and Debbie Wasserman Schultz held a press conference outside the Capitol Friday alongside immigration advocates.

“So many folks want to come here to work and pursue the American dream," Soto said. "We want to make sure they have that opportunity,."

Last June, a group of bipartisan House lawmakers, including Soto and Republican Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, introduced the Venezuelan Adjustment Act. The legislation would create a pathway for permanent residency status for some Venezuelan nationals in the U.S. But, it has stalled in the House Judiciary Committee.

The Biden Administration has granted Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelan nationals in the United States, as well as Humanitarian Parole for those seeking asylum. One TPS recipient said it has made a big impact in her life and the life of others.

“We’re able to invest in our future now, we can dream in investing, buying a house, raising families, creating new jobs for more people here, even Americans,” said Raymart Vasquez Marquez with Casa Venezuela Dallas. 

Bipartisan lawmakers are also co-sponsoring bills aimed at strengthening democracy in Venezuela.

“The first is the AFFECT Human Rights in Venezuela Act, which directs support for investigations into the Maduro regime’s crimes against humanity. The second is the VOICE Act, which slaps sanctions on regime cronies responsible for banning opposition leader María Corina Machado’s presidential candidacy,” Wasserman Schultz said. 

Venezuela’s presidential election is slated to take place in July.