Venezuelan migration remains an important demographic event on the continent, as a huge number of citizens have emigrated from the Caribbean country due to the socio-economic crisis. Given this situation, there are different positions that try to explain the reasons that led to the flight of Venezuelans from their homeland. Two of the strongest perspectives, however, are those that directly blame Chavismo and its opposition, which in turn blame the United States' “economic blockade.”
Given the large wave of migration that came to Colombia from Venezuela, President Gustavo Petro not only expressed his willingness to receive Venezuelan citizens, but also assured that social facilities would be provided.
Gustavo Petro offered free education to Venezuelan migrants
Through his X account, the Colombian president responded to a publication asking him to comment on Venezuelan migration. He was also asked for his position on the reasons that caused the Venezuelan diaspora. With this in mind, the head of state took the time to announce measures in favor of migrants: “We will open public universities free of charge to Colombian and Venezuelan youth living in Colombia. I expect financial help from the US government to maintain this program. This, rather than battalions on the borders, is the best way to contain the exodus.”
How many Venezuelans live in Colombia?
Colombia remains the country that currently receives and hosts the largest number of migrants from Venezuela. According to the website of the Interagency Coordination Platform for Refugees and Migrants of Venezuela, almost three million Venezuelans live on Colombian soil. In addition, the other countries with the most Venezuelan migrants are the following:
Migration map of Venezuelans in America. Photo: Interinstitutional Coordination Platform for Refugees and Migrants from Venezuela
What did Petro say about the crisis in Venezuela?
According to Gustavo Petro, the main problem that has caused the migration crisis in Venezuela has to do with political decisions made from the United States: “What caused the Venezuelan migration of millions of dollars is called an economic blockade, and a Colombian government helped it. It became a real 'boomerang'. They blocked the international sale of oil, and that is what Venezuelan society thrived on. Migration “Their women and youth have been humiliated in our countries and now migrants are marching by the millions towards the United States. The deeply flawed policies of Duque and Trump have created a new agent of violence that is exploding across all American societies.”