Will urge Venezuela to use diplomacy to help pressure the United States to liberalize immigration laws

U.S.-Venezuelan relations have been strained for years. The United States backed a 2002 coup that briefly overthrew the democratically elected Chavez, who continues to accuse the United States of plotting against him, a charge the U.S. government denies. U.S. officials in turn assail Venezuela for close relations with countries such as Iran and say the country does not do enough to combat terrorism and drug trafficking, allegations that Venezuela rejects. Navarro said he will urge Venezuela to use diplomacy to help pressure the United States to liberalize immigration laws, including the legalization of undocumented immigrants. The diplomacy could include discussions in the Organization of American States -- of which Venezuela and the United States are members -- and the United Nations, he said.