A Venezuelan woman recounts her painful journey towards an uncertain future in the U.S.

In the context of a humanitarian and migratory crisis, the testimony of María Figueredo, a Venezuelan who arrived in the United States on July 4, resonates strongly. Figueredo, like millions of her fellow countrymen, is part of an exodus that has seen over 7 million Venezuelans leave since 2015, according to United Nations figures. The situation in her country has forced many to undertake dangerous journeys in search of a better future, a path that for Figueredo was marked by fear and uncertainty. Her journey began with a long walk through the Darién jungle, a route known for its dangers, where she joined a caravan of approximately 200 people. Stories of violence, illness, and despair are common in this area, and Figueredo did not escape this harsh reality. Her emotional account reveals the moment that would mark her journey: the instant when the raft they were traveling in capsized. "The biggest scare I ever had in my life was when the raft capsized. I had to almost throw the baby so that those on land could save her," she confesses through tears. This traumatic experience reflects the anguish faced by many migrants who are forced to risk their lives in search of safety. Figueredo's story also illustrates the critical economic situation in Venezuela. After 22 years of work in the transportation sector in Caracas, the "bad economic situation and political crisis" led her to make the painful decision to leave her home. Although the situation has improved slightly since the pandemic, wages remain insufficient to cover basic needs. "I earned between 30 and 40 dollars a month, with which I could barely buy two bags of PAN flour, some butter, and cheese," she says with resignation. Once she arrived in the United States, Figueredo and her family found themselves in a basketball court that serves as a shelter in El Paso, Texas, where they share space with other migrants from different nationalities. This shelter, run by Cuban priest Rafael García, has become a place of hope for those fleeing violence and poverty in their countries. Father García recounts how, in response to a significant increase in migrants in 2022, the community organized to provide support to newcomers, reflecting a sense of solidarity that has characterized the region. However, the wait for a work permit becomes an agonizing process for Figueredo and her family. With the CBP One application, they now must wait for their appointment to apply for asylum, a step that has become complicated due to the overwhelming number of applications and the restrictions imposed by the U.S. government. The migratory crisis at the southern border has made it a monumental challenge to seek asylum, despite the sacrifices made. In mid-June, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas acknowledged that his government's capacity to process migrants is limited, adding another layer of frustration for those who have already left everything behind. With only 1,450 daily appointments available, the competition for a chance at protection intensifies, affecting the futures of thousands of vulnerable migrants. Figueredo's account reflects the struggle of many seeking a new beginning in a country that offers the hope of a better life. However, the path to achieving that reality is fraught with obstacles, and U.S. bureaucracy becomes a new battleground. Her experience serves as a reminder that behind every number and statistic, there are human stories of sacrifice, courage, and longing. Amid all this, Figueredo keeps her eyes fixed on her destination: Denver, Colorado. A friend awaits her there, ready to offer support at a critical moment. She longs for a home, food, and peace, but she knows that the road to that stability is filled with uncertainties. As the migratory crisis intensifies, her story becomes a microcosm of the experience of many who cross borders in search of a dignified life. Thus, María Figueredo's testimony not only highlights the difficult journey of Venezuelan migrants but also underscores the need for a more humane and effective response to the migratory crisis facing not only the United States but the entire world. Figueredo's struggle is a call for empathy and solidarity at a time when it is needed more than ever.