Venezuelans Want to Go Back

The recent U.S. electoral campaign has highlighted the sensitive issue of uncontrolled immigration, using Venezuelans as a focal point of debate. While the United States is a nation of immigrants and still needs more to maintain its status as a global power, the lack of border control poses serious threats to internal security and can overwhelm public systems in cities. As of 2023, the immigrant population in the United States stood at approximately 50 million, representing nearly 15% of the total population. The pressure on resources and security infrastructure has significantly increased due to recent migration flows.

Venezuela, my country of origin, has recently come under intense scrutiny from President Trump. In recent years, we have witnessed the largest uncontrolled migration flow to the United States, making our nationality a central topic in negative discussions. According to data from the U.S. National Immigration Institute, there were over 330,000 asylum applications from Venezuelans in 2022, a more than 400% increase compared to previous years. This surge has been exploited by criminal groups that have infiltrated the country, making headlines with incidents such as assaults on police officers in New York and high-profile murders. Between January and August 2023, at least 50 incidents involving Venezuelan gangs were reported in major urban areas, further aggravating the negative perception of our community.

However, it is crucial to make a distinction. The vast majority of Venezuelans are not involved in criminal activities. Since the time of American independence, Venezuelans have made positive contributions to U.S. history. Francisco de Miranda, known as the "Precursor" of Latin American independence, played a key role in revolutionary movements. Additionally, Venezuelan scientists like Dr. Baruj Benacerraf, Nobel Prize winner in Physiology or Medicine in 1980, have made significant contributions in the field of immunology. Numerous artists such as painter and sculptor Carlos Cruz-Diez and filmmaker Jonathan Jakubowicz have also left a substantial impact on global culture. Economically, Venezuelan investments have contributed to the development of communities in Florida and Texas, including the prominent Venezuelan enclave in Doral, Miami.

Nevertheless, the presence of criminal gangs from Venezuela is undeniable and has had a tangible and harmful impact. The massive migration of Venezuelans, largely driven by the threat of criminal groups that dominate the country under the leadership of drug trafficker Nicolás Maduro, has exacerbated the issue. Maduro has used the migration crisis as a bargaining chip to ease sanctions. According to reports from the U.S. Department of State, Maduro's regime has leveraged migration as a pressure tool, worsening the problem by failing to cooperate in border management and allowing the expansion of criminal networks. The release of Maduro's nephews, convicted of drug trafficking, and the pardon of his associate by the Biden administration are clear examples of the complexity of this situation.

Despite the severity of the situation, proposed solutions such as building a wall or mass deportations are inadequate and ineffective if they do not address the root causes of the problem. It is estimated that Venezuelan migration flows could double in the coming years, with approximately 8 million additional Venezuelans ready to leave the country, many heading to the United States. A report from the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) estimates that the crisis has led to the departure of over 7 million Venezuelans since 2015, a figure that could increase significantly. Such a massive flow overwhelms any attempt at control and allows for the infiltration of even greater threats.

The real solution lies in addressing the root cause of the migration: the criminal regime ruling Venezuela. If Nicolás Maduro could be removed from power, it would not only stabilize the region but also significantly reduce the migration flow. Most Venezuelans residing in the U.S. and elsewhere around the world would be willing to return to their country if a regime change occurred. A 2023 survey by the Center for Political and Communication Studies revealed that 80% of Venezuelans abroad would be willing to return to Venezuela if a government change was achieved. Capturing Maduro and removing him from power would be crucial steps in resolving the migration crisis and restoring order at the U.S. southern border.

In conclusion, the Venezuelan migration problem is complex and multifaceted, but it must be addressed comprehensively and effectively. The solution does not lie in superficial measures such as building a wall or mass deportations, but in tackling the root causes of the crisis. Only through a strategy that addresses the fundamental causes of the conflict can the migration flow be reduced and a more stable future be ensured for both Venezuela and the receiving countries.

Julio César Rivas