Recently, and very repetitively, we have heard President Trump mention the proposal that Venezuela becomes part of U.S. territory, by being incorporated, annexed, absorbed, or however one might legally refer to the idea of integrating this sovereign nation into the American nation.
While it is true that to some it may seem far-fetched, it is not entirely so. The Manifest Destiny was a doctrine upon which the United States built its expansionist policy across North America during the 19th century. It was based on considering this country a "chosen" nation destined to expand from the Atlantic coasts to the Pacific. So, viewing it from this perspective, we have a country that historically, since the 19th century and for various reasons, has liked to absorb territory until becoming the nation of 50 states, domains, associated states, islands, and other current possessions.
What scenarios exist?
Immediate annexation exists, which could imply an initial economic imbalance for the U.S., and a cultural and political imbalance since Venezuela would become part of the system and would need representation in Congress.
But realistically, there are other scenarios without immediately altering its political system: such as the status of an Organized Unincorporated Territory.
If Venezuela were integrated under this scheme, it would not enter directly as the "51st State," but as a U.S. Territory (similar to the current status of Puerto Rico or Guam, or what Alaska had for decades).
That intermediate model would apply to prevent the U.S. from entering an economic, political, and cultural deficit by dividing the integration into two very different realities:
1. Political Limitations (Washington's handbrake)
To prevent 25 million new citizens from changing the political balance in Congress in Washington or deciding who will be the U.S. president, severe restrictions would apply:
No presidential vote: Citizens residing in the territory of Venezuela would have a U.S. passport, but could not vote in U.S. presidential elections.
No voting senators or representatives: Venezuela would have the right to send a single representative to Congress in Washington (a figure called Resident Commissioner), who would have a voice in debates to defend the territory's interests, but zero voting rights on federal laws.
Automatic federal laws: The U.S. Congress would have the absolute power to apply laws, specific taxes, or trade regulations to Venezuela, without Venezuelans being able to vote for those who approve these laws.
2. Freedom of Movement (The citizen benefit)
In exchange for yielding superior political power, citizens would receive the status of U.S. citizenship, which would completely transform their daily lives:
Absolute free transit: By becoming U.S. citizens or nationals, internal borders would disappear for them. A Venezuelan could buy a ticket and fly from Caracas to Miami or New York using only their ID, without the need for visas, foreign passports, or immigration controls, exactly like a Texan traveling to Florida. They would have the legal right to move, work, and live in any corner of the 50 states.
The voting loophole upon moving: A fascinating constitutional phenomenon occurs here. If a Venezuelan living in Caracas (where they cannot vote for president) decides to legally move to Miami and establishes residence in the state of Florida, they immediately acquire the right to vote for the U.S. president and Florida senators. The right to vote in the American system does not depend on where you were born, but on the state where you reside and pay taxes.
Why would this play be perfect for Trump's scheme?
For a transactional administration like Donald Trump's, this design is the "perfect deal":
Avoids internal conflict in the U.S.: It calms his most nationalist electoral base because it does not introduce millions of Hispanic voters to the Electoral College overnight.
Guarantees resource control: By being a territory under the Territorial Clause of the U.S. Constitution, Washington would have the final say on the Orinoco Belt concessions, precious minerals, and maritime customs.
Relieves migration pressure at the border: By granting citizenship and stabilizing the local economy with the dollar and federal law, the need to migrate desperately would drastically decrease, as economic well-being would arrive directly in Venezuelan cities.
This intermediate status would work as a "trial period" or transition that could last for decades, where citizens would have all the economic freedom and freedom of movement of the American dream, but political and strategic control would remain firmly safeguarded in Washington's offices.
