There had never been a migratory phenomenon of this magnitude in the region; It is, without a doubt, the biggest migration crisis in its history. But the political reactions that would correspond are not yet noticeable. Much less the region was organized in the 80s to the refugees fleeing the internal wars in Central America.
The reception to Venezuelans has been massive, generous and, in general terms, respectful of international standards of protection. As it was seen coming, it would seem to be reaching a limit situation that is influencing policy changes in several countries. Two related factors have concurred.
First, it seemed to be an emigration that could go down, since most of the middle sectors had already left and it became more difficult to travel such long pilgrimages to very low income people. That has not been the case. Second, the appearance of social symptoms of discomfort, first, and xenophobia, then, which have been affecting restrictive government decisions.
Chile was one of the first countries. In recent weeks there are thousands of Venezuelans whose income as tourists, and even seeking asylum, was rejected by their immigration authority on the Peruvian border. This has generated, already, a delicate situation in the border Peruvian city of Tacna where the Venezuelans remain rejected. To this is added the requirement, from this week, of consular visa to Venezuelans who want to enter Chile as "tourists".
In Peru, the government has been adopting a series of restrictive measures this month demanding a passport and "humanitarian visa" and adjusting the requirements to grant refuge. Ecuador would also establish a consular visa.
A contributory factor of this has been the impact of external sanctions on Venezuela in terms of oil exports that does not seem to have made a dent in the government, but in the eyes of the people. In an irresponsible manner, these measures counted on the support of an opposition sector, without measuring the growth of xenophobic currents in the receiving countries could already be seen in the face of a migratory wave that was clearly unstoppable.
The announced restrictive measures will not impede the migration. But an important part will now do so illegally with what it implies in loss of control and vulnerability to these people. In this critical context, two things are particularly worrying.
First, the ineffectiveness of coordination efforts among Latin American countries; they have served penalties to inform themselves not for a regional articulation. By far fewer migrants were crucial backbones in the 80s. This is urgent to share policies, strategies and responses.
Second, and as a correlate of the above: urgent concerted political-diplomatic action for the cooperation of the international community. Little or nothing articulated is still being done. Our region is not in Europe like Turkey, but with the 4 million Syrians in that country have flowed enormous resources of cooperation. Something could be done through Latin American lands.
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