An Associated Press analysis of federal data from fall 2018 to summer 2025 reveals a shift in where Venezuelan immigrants are settling in the United States. While Florida had long been a popular destination for immigrants, many Venezuelans are now choosing smaller towns and cities in states like Utah, where they find better job opportunities, more affordable housing, and a higher quality of life. These areas, with less established immigrant communities, offer a contrast to Florida’s tropical climate and Spanish-speaking convenience, which some Venezuelans now find less appealing due to economic challenges. Enrique Vera, 32, arrived in the U.S. in 2021 through Yuma, Arizona, and initially settled in Miami with his mother, who had been living there for six years. However, he found the work conditions and low pay in Florida unacceptable. After just two weeks, he and his mother accepted an invitation from a cousin in Utah. In the state’s southern suburbs, Vera found factory work, but he soon left to turn his passion for baking into a business. Today, he runs a warehouse and two bakeries, employing 15 people, many of whom are also asylum seekers. Utah, despite its Republican leanings and support for former President Donald Trump, has become a top destination for Venezuelans. Other major cities like parts of Chicago, Denver, Atlanta, Dallas, and Houston also saw an influx of Venezuelan immigrants. Smaller cities such as Madison, Wisconsin; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Savannah, Georgia, have also welcomed Venezuelans. This trend is not unique to Venezuelans—some Cubans chose cities like Louisville, Kentucky, and Odessa, Texas, over Florida, while Colombians and Peruvians have settled in other regions. The migration of Venezuelans to the U.S. has been massive, with about 8 million people fleeing their homeland since 2014. Approximately 1 million of those who entered the U.S. through the Mexican border chose to settle in places like Utah. However, the political climate has made life challenging for many. Trump’s immigration policies, including a deportation drive, have caused fear and made Venezuelans less visible in public spaces. In Utah, where the population has grown significantly, few signs of Venezuelan culture are visible in commercial areas, as the community has integrated into the local population. The fear of deportation has had a tangible effect on local businesses and community life. Pastor Alberto Salcedo, who opened a space for Venezuelan food trucks, saw a decline in visitors due to fears of being detained. Similarly, restaurant owner Fidel Arrieta noted a drop in business, with three of his five restaurants closing in the past year. Despite these challenges, the Venezuelan community has grown in Utah, particularly in churches, where many have found a sense of belonging. One pastor estimates that about 40% of his church’s families are Venezuelan immigrants. Many Venezuelans arrived in the U.S. after the pandemic, navigating the difficult journey through the Darien Gap, a dangerous stretch of jungle in Panama and Colombia. Some, like 18-year-old Ashly Estupinan, used the CBP One app to enter the U.S. in San Diego. The app was discontinued by Trump, who took office in 2021. Despite these hurdles, many Venezuelans have found a new life in Utah, working in construction, food service, and other industries. While some have faced financial struggles, others have built successful businesses, contributing to the local economy. The growing presence of Venezuelans in Utah has also raised questions about the state’s stance on immigration. While Utah has a reputation for being immigrant-friendly, with policies like the Utah Compact promoting common-sense immigration reforms, the political climate has shifted. Former President Trump won Utah by a large margin in 2024, and some local leaders have become more cautious in their public statements. Nevertheless, many Venezuelans in Utah report feeling welcomed and supported, with few experiencing widespread racism.