How Money Travels from U.S. Bank Accounts to Venezuelan Households

International Trade attorney Stephanie Connor was quoted in a Wall Street Journal article exploring how Venezuelan citizens are able to receive money from sources abroad despite sanctions and other financial restrictions. The article explained that funds often flow via peer-to-peer payment apps or independent cash couriers, routes that remain open because U.S. sanctions, for example, target individuals and organizations connected to Venezuela's government. In addition, some families maintain U.S. bank accounts and direct deposits there, enabling them to engage in transactions without having money cross international borders. Ms. Connor clarified the legality of these practices.

"If you are in this country legally and you're sending money to non-sanctioned family members back home, that is perfectly legal," she explained.

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