Reverse Migration: Venezuelan Migrants Flee US Crackdown, Head Back to South America

Strategic Insights -

A report by the governments of Colombia, Panama, and Costa Rica reveals that more than 14,000 Venezuelan migrants have reversed their journey and headed south since the US immigration crackdown began. The phenomenon is largely attributed to the fact that asylum seekers can no longer reach the US. Since 2017, around eight million people have fled the crisis in Venezuela, with many braving the Darien Gap to reach the US. However, with the U.S. government smartphone app being discontinued, thousands of migrants became stranded in Mexico.

Key Takeaways:

  • The report states that 97% of migrants traveling south are Venezuelans, with nearly all of them returning because they can no longer legally reach the U.S.
  • Around 450 people have taken the perilous route back to Colombia, with the UN documenting migrants getting scammed and stranded, facing boat accidents and arriving vulnerable.
  • Migrants are dropping into regions with a heavy presence of criminal groups that prey upon them, making them more vulnerable.
  • Around a quarter of those interviewed planned to go to neighbouring Colombia, previously the epicentre of the mass migration from Venezuela.
  • Others said they didn't know where they were going, likely due to a lack of funds and few prospects for work when they get back.
  • The region where migrants are being dropped off is one of the most violent in Colombia, with a lack of state presence being filled by warring armed groups.
  • Colombia's Ombudsman's Office estimates that around 450 people have taken the perilous route.
  • The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is urging authorities to aid migrants in this reverse migration to prevent them from being exploited or falling into trafficking networks.

Statistics:

  • 14,000+ Venezuelan migrants have reversed their journey and headed south since the US immigration crackdown began (report by Colombia, Panama and Costa Rica)
  • 97% of migrants traveling south are Venezuelans (report by Colombia, Panama and Costa Rica)
  • 97% of northward migration has dropped this year (report by Colombia, Panama and Costa Rica)
  • 8 million people have fled the crisis in Venezuela since 2017 (report)
  • 450 people have taken the perilous route back to Colombia (Colombia's Ombudsman's Office estimate)
  • Migrants have paid between US$260 and US$280 to ride on precarious boats packed with people (report)

Sources:

  • "Venezuelan migrants reverse migration after US changes border policies" (Associated Press, MEXICO CITY)
  • Report by Colombia, Panama, and Costa Rica with support of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights
  • Statement by Scott Campbell, UN human-rights representative in Colombia