The Venezuelan Caravan crisis is a mess. The government of Venezuela has essentially stopped allowing people to leave the country, and this has created a mass of people that are stranded in the middle of nowhere. This isn’t just an issue for Venezuelans, though. It’s also a problem for Americans, as many of these refugees are seeking asylum in the United States. There have been no reports of any major incidents or injuries stemming from the caravan crisis, but it’s still something to be aware of. Keep an eye on the news as it develops over the next few weeks to see if anything bad happens.
What is happening in Venezuela?
The Venezuelan Caravan is a chaotic mess, and it’s not just because the migrants are trying to get into Colombia. The journey has been plagued with problems from the start, as many of the vehicles traveling in the caravan have broken down or become stranded. This week, things got even worse. As the caravan approached the border, they were met by Colombian police who refused to let them pass.
This standoff led to violence, with dozens of people being arrested and at least six people killed. Many of those detained are now scheduled to be deported back to Venezuela, which will exacerbate the country’s already troubled economy. The United States has declared a national emergency due to the crisis in Venezuela, but what does that mean for Americans?
Only a small number of Venezuelans have made their way into the United States illegally. If this crisis continues to escalate and more people try to flee Venezuela, that could change. In addition, since many of those in the caravan are carrying valid visas from other countries like Mexico and Ecuador, their entry into the United States could lead to chaos too.
Although there is still no clear answer on what will happen next with regard to Venezuelans attempting to make their way into America illegally, it’s safe to say that things aren’t going well right now.
What to do if you are affected
If you are in the United States and are experiencing difficulties traveling to Venezuela due to the current political instability, here are some steps you can take to protect yourself:
If you are able, keep up with updates on the situation in Venezuela through media and social media.
Consider removing any valuable items from your vehicle these could be items that could be used as bargaining chips if you were detained or worse.
If possible, avoid driving to or from Venezuela this is especially important during rush hour when traffic is heavier. Instead, use public transportation or stay close to home if you have to travel.
Contact your family members and/or friends in Venezuela and let them know that you are safe but may not be able to contact them for a while. Let them know where you are staying and what precautions you are taking to ensure your safety.
How to prepare for the Caravan
There is a caravan of over 1,500 migrants traveling from Venezuela to the United States. Many people are wondering if Americans will be affected by this. The answer is yes, in some ways.
On one hand, Venezuela is one of the most unstable countries in South America. The government has been struggling with food shortages and inflation for years now. This has created a lot of discontent among the population and led to a rise in migration.
Many Venezuelans are fleeing political persecution or economic hardship. For example, there have been reports of state-sponsored violence against protesters and opposition leaders. So, while not all Venezuelan migrants are fleeing poverty or violence, many are.
On the other hand, it’s important to remember that not all Venezuelan migrants are arriving in the U.S. The vast majority of them are living in Mexico right now before making their way north through Central America and into the U.S., but that doesn’t mean that Americans aren’t impacted by their presence on our soil.
For one thing, immigration law enforcement is going to have to deal with them eventually either at the border or after they’ve entered the country illegally (which is likely what will happen once they reach our Southern Border). This could lead to problems both for law enforcement and for those who have been caught up in ICE raids during the past year or so especially if those migrants have criminal records or ties to gangs
What to do if you are caught in the Caravan
If you are caught in the Venezuelan Caravan chaos, here are some things to do:
- Make sure that your passport is up to date and valid if it isn’t, you might not be able to leave the country and could become a victim of human trafficking.
- If you can, try to get in touch with family or friends outside of Venezuela they may be able to help get you out if things get too chaotic.
- If all else fails, stay put and hope for the best although it’s likely that there will be large scale violence along the way, it’s possible that you’ll make it out alive.
Conclusion
Venezuela is in the middle of a political and economic crisis, which has led to a humanitarian crisis, with more than 1.5 million people fleeing the country. The situation is complicated by ongoing protests in Venezuela, as well as the Venezuelan government’s efforts to stop the flow of migrants by any means necessary. Most of these efforts have been successful, but there are indications that this may change soon. If this happens and Americans are affected by the Caravan Chaos in Venezuela, we want you to know what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones.
