[1/7] Julio Perez, 38, who was hoping to get to the United States to work for money to build a house for his family in Venezuela, stands outside the gate of his old mechanical workshop in El Tocuyo, Venezuela on December 6, 2022. REUTERS/Jesus Hernandez
EL TOCUYO, Venezuela, Dec. 20 (Reuters) – Julio Perez, a 38-year-old auto mechanic, sold his car and tools to make a dangerous journey from Venezuela to the United States.
But like many migrants in the two months since the United States changed its immigration policy, he chose to board a plane back to Venezuela.
On October 12, the US expanded the existing Title 42 policy, used since the pandemic to send migrants from Central America and elsewhere back to Mexico and other countries with no chance of seeking asylum, to include Venezuelans.
Perez, who has not eaten for two of the four days of his trek through the Darien jungle, says he dreams of trying to fly again, but his means are limited.
“For now, I’m staying here to start from scratch,” he said.
A spokesman for the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told Reuters that the number of Venezuelans who crossed the southwestern border without permission had dropped to an average of about 100 a day from 1,100 a day a week before the October 12 announcement.
Reuters spoke to nine migrants who crossed the Darien and had to return due to a change in policy, including Franklin Sandoval, a 22-year-old who, like Perez, hails from Venezuela’s west-central city of El Tocuyo.
Sandoval wandered muddy paths and rivers with high sewage levels, only to learn about the politics of Title 42 upon departure.
“Receiving this news was really terrible after everything I’ve experienced in the jungle,” Sandoval said.
After receiving news of a change in US policy that was criticized by human rights groups, Sandoval also decided to cut his losses and return to Venezuela via Panama.
She has been unable to find a job since returning and says she suffers from anxiety attacks at the memory of the trip.
“When you leave Darien, you don’t laugh or cry, you’re traumatized,” he said.
The Washington Bureau of Latin American Affairs (WOLA), a human rights group, said the move exacerbated an existing humanitarian crisis, pointing to families traveling with children and a lack of shelters.
One Mexican official told Reuters that the comprehensive deal they reached with the United States on Venezuelan asylum seekers has produced “good results” because, in addition to the expulsion provision, it has allowed humanitarian access for thousands of them by air.
The Title 42 policy is now due to end on December 21, unless legal issues delay that date, adding to the confusion among migrants.
Like Sandoval, Perez – who says he would never try to cross the Darien again – is still haunted by his journey of unfulfilled dreams.
“I don’t sleep well,” Perez said. “I keep waking up and remembering what we went through there.”
Reporting by Keren Torres of El Tocuyo and Steven Grattan of Sao Paulo; Additional reporting by Ted Hesson and Daina Solomon; Editing by Christian Plumb and Lisa Shumaker
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
What is Venezuela known for food?
Summary of Venezuelan food This may interest you : How Ukraine changes the US grand strategy.
- Pabellón criollo – Rice, plantain, beans and beef.
- Hallaca Tamales with meat.
- Pan de jamón – Bread with Ham.
- Bollo pelón – corn cake filled with beef stew.
- Pisca Andina – Egg and milk soup.
- Patacón zuliano – Beef stuffed cake.
- Tequeños – Rolls with cheese.
- Mandocas – Flavored fried corn cake.
Is Venezuela an ally of Russia?
Venezuela is Russia’s most important commercial and military ally in Latin America. Russia recognizes Nicolás Maduro as Venezuelan president instead of Juan Guaidó in Venezuelan presidential crisis.
Does the US support Venezuela? Since the beginning of the crisis, the United States has provided $272 million in economic, development, and health assistance to support the crisis response in Venezuela and the region. On the same subject : Pearson to sell South African course materials business to Novus for $64 million.
Does China support Venezuela?
Moreover, during the same period, Venezuela became the fourth largest oil supplier to China. In April 2010, China agreed to provide Venezuela with a $20 billion loan. See the article : The United States is waging a new cold war: a socialist perspective. Venezuela defined the role of the project as one that would connect Venezuela’s oil-producing regions and agricultural areas.
Is Venezuela a friend of the US?
The United States and Venezuela have not had formal diplomatic relations since January 23, 2019, but continue to maintain relations under Juan Guaidó, who is recognized by at least 57 countries, including the United States, as interim president.
Is Venezuela wealthy or poor?
Three out of four Venezuelans live in extreme poverty.
Is Venezuela poor or rich?
Why is Venezuela not rich?
Dissatisfaction with corruption was cited by opposition groups as one of the causes of the 2014 protests in Venezuela. Once a wealthy country, Venezuela’s economy has been driven into political and economic crisis by corruption and mismanagement.
