Venezuelan migrants face significant challenges on their journey to the US border, with Mexico posing a formidable obstacle. Despite efforts to deter migration, the influx of Venezuelans persists.
Venezuelan migrants embarking on the arduous journey toward the United States often encounter unexpected challenges, with Mexico emerging as a formidable obstacle along the way. While the treacherous jungle trails of Colombia and Panama present physical dangers, it is the human elements in Mexico that prove most daunting for those seeking refuge.
You can also read: Why Narendra Modi Could Win 2024 With Bigger Mandate
For many Venezuelan migrants, Mexico represents a significant hurdle in their journey towards the US border. Daniel Ventura, reflecting on his family’s experiences, highlights the stark contrast between preparing for wildlife in the jungle and bracing for human-related risks in Mexico. The recent crackdown on immigration in Mexico, prompted by pressure from the Biden administration, has particularly affected Venezuelan migrants.
Mexico’s intensified efforts to curb immigration have resulted in a noticeable decline in arrests of migrants, especially Venezuelans, attempting to cross the US-Mexico border illegally. Despite the temporary relief this provides for US authorities, the strategies employed by Mexico, including deportations and visa restrictions, have significantly altered migration patterns.
Struggles of Venezuelan Migrants
Navigating through Mexico poses many challenges for Venezuelan migrants, from evading corrupt officials at government checkpoints to facing threats from criminal gangs along the way. The introduction of the CBP One app offers a glimmer of hope for some migrants, providing a legal pathway to enter the US.
However, the requirement to be in central or northern Mexico adds another layer of difficulty for those still in the south.
The plight of Venezuelan migrants is underscored by the humanitarian crises they face, including the risk of exploitation. Despite these hardships, migrants like Jose Alberto Uzcategui and Marbelis Torrealba demonstrate remarkable resilience and determination, driven by the hope of finding safety and opportunity in the US.
Unlawful border crossings by Venezuelans
In September 2023, approximately 50,000 migrants from crisis-stricken Venezuela crossed the U.S.-Mexico border unlawfully, marking a record and once-unthinkable number, as reported by preliminary Department of Homeland Security (DHS) statistics obtained by CBS News.
This all-time monthly high in border crossings by Venezuelans contributed to a yearly peak in unauthorized arrivals along the southern border in September. They made up roughly a quarter of the more than 200,000 apprehensions reported by Border Patrol last month. Internal DHS figures revealed that on some days, as many as 3,000 migrants from Venezuela illegally crossed into the US within a 24-hour period.
The tens of thousands of Venezuelan arrivals along the US-Mexico border in September surpassed the previous monthly record set in September 2022 when nearly 34,000 migrants from Venezuela entered Border Patrol custody.
The unprecedented influx of Venezuelan migrants further complicated the Biden administration’s migration strategy, both operationally and politically. Venezuela’s refusal to accept US deportations and Mexico’s decision to only accept a limited number of Venezuelans meant that most of them were released from federal custody near the border. Subsequently, many headed to Democratic-led cities like New York and Chicago, which were already strained by the arrival of tens of thousands of migrants.
Last year 2023, more than 2 million migrants were apprehended by Border Patrol, marking only the second time in U.S. history that this threshold had been surpassed, according to internal DHS figures. While some were deported or returned to Mexico, many migrants were released and allowed to seek asylum, a process that, on average, took years to resolve.
US policies fail to deter Venezuelans
Despite the Biden administration’s efforts to dissuade unauthorized entry into the US by Venezuelans through policies offering legal pathways, record numbers of Venezuelans have arrived at the southern border. This influx underscores the magnitude of Venezuela’s ongoing crisis, with over 7 million people having left the country due to political and socio-economic turmoil.
While many initially sought refuge in South American countries, a significant portion have made the arduous journey to the US border, including traversing the dangerous Darién Gap in Panama. Despite strategies to deter illegal entry, such as convincing Mexico to repatriate some migrants and implementing programs for legal entry, the number of Venezuelans arriving at the border has surged again this spring after a brief decline.
In September 2023, a staggering 75,268 migrants traversed the Darién jungle, marking the second-highest monthly total on record, surpassed only by the 82,000 crossings reported in August, as revealed by Panamanian government officials to CBS News. The total number of individuals trekking through this impassable terrain on foot has exceeded 400,000 for the year.
In response to the situation, the Biden administration recently extended work permits and deportation protections to nearly half a million Venezuelans already in the US by July 31, (2023) a move partly influenced by pressure from Democratic leaders. However, concerns persist about the potential for this action to further incentivize Venezuelan migration to the US.
Conclusion:
As Venezuela continues to grapple with political turmoil and economic decline, the exodus of its citizens shows no signs of abating. While Mexico’s measures may temporarily stem the flow of migrants, the underlying challenges remain unresolved. Addressing the root causes of migration and providing support for vulnerable populations are essential steps towards alleviating the suffering of those forced to undertake perilous journeys in search of a better life.
