The Venezuelan migration crisis unleashes uncertainty in Latin America and social tensions.

The situation in Venezuela has reached a critical point following the recent presidential elections, generating a climate of uncertainty and concern throughout Latin America. In Peru, where Venezuelan migrants make up approximately 20% of the labor force in Lima's garment market, seamstress Diana Yaranga feels threatened by the possibility of a new exodus. With a salary that barely exceeds $275 a month, Yaranga supports her elderly mother and a disabled nephew, exacerbating her anxiety over the potential arrival of more compatriots seeking refuge. Since 2014, approximately 7.7 million Venezuelans have left their country in search of better living conditions in neighboring nations. Colombia stands as the primary destination for these migrants, followed by Peru, Chile, Brazil, and Ecuador. However, the current political crisis, marked by allegations of fraud and disputes over the legitimacy of the electoral results, has intensified fears that this migratory flow could turn into an even larger wave. Ronal Rodríguez, spokesperson for the Migration Observatory at the University of Rosario in Colombia, highlights that the countries in the region do not have sufficient resources to handle a significant increase in Venezuelan migration. The response of each nation has varied; while Peru has imposed stricter entry requirements for Venezuelans, Colombia has implemented more flexible policies, granting documents that facilitate access to basic services. Peruvian President Dina Boluarte and Colombian President Gustavo Petro have taken positions regarding the crisis, acknowledging the new political reality in Venezuela. However, both countries have not announced significant changes to their migration policies, leaving many uncertain about how they will respond if the situation worsens. Chile, for its part, has begun to consider measures to address a potential increase in the arrival of migrants. Interior Minister Carolina Tohá has stated that it is essential to prepare for an uptick in migratory flow, although the government has ruled out closing the borders. The acquisition of technologies for monitoring at the borders is one of the strategies being considered, along with the implementation of a quota system, a measure that had previously been proposed without success. This scenario becomes even more complicated for those making their way to Colombia, where migrants entering the country are required to meet specific conditions to obtain identity documents. According to Rodríguez, access to these permits is not automatic and is limited to those who arrived before January 2021, leaving many new migrants in legal and administrative limbo. Moreover, fear is spreading among the receiving communities. In Colombia, local authorities have attempted to coordinate an effective response to the increased migratory flow, but the situation is concerning. Institutional infrastructure has suffered cuts and is no longer a priority for the national government, which could pose a greater challenge for migrants seeking assistance. Meanwhile, in Chile, the tightening of migration policies has led to rising social tension. A high percentage of the population agrees with President Boric's government's stance on the Venezuelan situation, but there is also notable resistance to offering asylum to Venezuelan citizens. This reflects a dilemma where humanitarian needs and migrant rights clash with local citizens' concerns. Surveys indicate that many Venezuelans who have arrived in Chile in recent years face difficulties integrating, leading to high rates of poverty and informal employment. The reality for migrants in the region is alarming; half of them cannot afford three meals a day, and many resort to begging or accumulating debt to survive. In summary, the migratory crisis generated by the situation in Venezuela is becoming increasingly complex. Countries in Latin America find themselves at a crossroads, having to balance their own capacities and resources with the urgent need to provide refuge to those fleeing a humanitarian crisis. Without a coordinated and effective response, the future of millions of migrants could be even more uncertain.