LMIA Pro wants to shed light on the dire situation that has been unfolding in Venezuela. With an estimated 6.8 million Venezuelans fleeing their country since 2014, the world is witnessing one of the largest external displacement crises in history. The situation is so severe that Venezuela has now surpassed Guatemalans and Hondurans to become the second-largest nationality stopped at the U.S. border after Mexicans. Many who get to the US want to come to Canada.
The main reason for this mass exodus is the failed socio-economic policies of the repressive regime of Nicolas Maduro, which has taken basic freedoms away from its citizens in trying to emulate the Cuban model. This has led to a systematic policy of repression, which has been recognized by the international community as a crime against humanity of persecution. The correlation between public stigmatization and politically motivated arbitrary arrests highlights the severity of the situation in Venezuela.
Despite being one of the richest nations on earth due to its petroleum exports, Venezuela now has one of the world's highest inflation rates. About three-quarters of the population lives on less than $1.90 a day, an international standard for extreme poverty. The monthly minimum wage, paid in bolivars despite a dollar-driven economy, is the equivalent of $15. Many Venezuelans lack access to clean, running water and electricity, making the country nearly unlivable for its citizens.
The UN Refugee Agency has reported that people continue to leave Venezuela to escape violence, insecurity, and threats as well as lack of food, medicine, and essential services. The impact of the situation in Venezuela is being felt globally, with Venezuelans now seeking refuge in many countries around the world, including the United States.
The journey to Canada is often perilous, with many undertaking a dangerous journey that included traveling through Panama's notorious jungle, the Darien Gap, and Mexico, where migrants often face extortion and threats from government officials. Despite the challenges, Venezuelans still believe that a better life awaits them in Canada, and they continue to undertake the treacherous journey to seek refuge in the country.
To get to Canada, they first must get through the US. The US policies and strained relations with the Venezuelan government have made it extremely difficult to send migrants home, creating an additional burden for the countries that host them. The US also faces the challenge of dealing with the influx of Venezuelan migrants, which is reflected in daily headlines. About 50 migrants that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis flew to the upscale Massachusetts island of Martha's Vineyard were Venezuelan, as were five of six men whom U.S. authorities found drowned in the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass in early September.
The situation in Venezuela is not only a humanitarian crisis but also a security concern for the entire region. The international community must come together to find a solution to this crisis, which is affecting millions of people worldwide.
In conclusion, we urge the international community to take action to address the crisis in Venezuela. The suffering of the Venezuelan people cannot be ignored, and it is the responsibility of all nations to help those in need. We stand in solidarity with the Venezuelan people and call on world leaders to take decisive action to address this crisis.