Why Colombia has taken in 1 million Venezuelans

Summary

Venezuela's economic collapse has led to a mass exodus, with millions fleeing to neighboring Colombia. The border town of Cucuta has become a haven for these refugees, who often arrive with only their suitcases and the clothes on their backs. Amidst hyperinflation rendering the Bolivar worthless, some have resorted to crafting purses and sculptures from the currency. Colombia, in stark contrast to other nations, has opted to welcome the migrants, providing them with temporary residence, healthcare, work, and study opportunities. This open-door policy is seen as a form of reciprocity for the support Venezuela offered to Colombian refugees during the FARC conflict. However, the increasing crime rate involving Venezuelans has sparked skepticism, threatening the solidarity between the two nations.

Takeaways

• 🚨 Millions of Venezuelans have fled their country due to a severe economic and political crisis.
• 🌎 The border town of Cucuta in Colombia has become a major entry point for Venezuelan migrants.
• 🧳 Venezuelans are leaving with all their belongings, as they are uncertain about their future destinations.
• 💵 Hyperinflation in Venezuela has rendered the national currency, the Bolivar, nearly worthless.
• 🎨 Venezuelans are repurposing their devalued currency into commodities like purses and sculptures.
• 📈 Venezuela's inflation rate is projected to reach one million percent, exacerbating the economic crisis.
• 🏠 Colombia has welcomed over a million Venezuelans, more than any other country, despite its own humanitarian needs.
• 🛃 Colombia has chosen not to impose strict border controls, allowing migrants to enter relatively easily.
• 🏥 The Colombian government provides services like healthcare, work permits, and education to Venezuelan migrants.
• 🏡 Colombian citizens are also offering support by housing migrants in their homes for free.
• 🤝 There is a historical connection between Colombia and Venezuela, with a sense of reciprocating past hospitality.
• ⚖️ Despite solidarity, there are concerns about crime and skepticism towards Venezuelan migrants in Colombia.

Q & A

What is the current crisis in Venezuela causing millions of people to flee?

The crisis in Venezuela is due to economic collapse, with hyperinflation rendering the currency worthless and leading to a humanitarian crisis, prompting millions to flee the country.

How has the Venezuelan currency, the Bolivar, been impacted by the crisis?

The Bolivar has become so devalued due to hyperinflation that it is now considered worthless, to the extent that it is being used to make purses and sculptures.

What is the estimated inflation rate in Venezuela?

The inflation rate in Venezuela is projected to rise to one million percent.

How many Venezuelans have moved to Colombia in recent years?

More than a million Venezuelans have moved to Colombia in recent years, making it the country with the highest number of Venezuelan migrants.

What is Colombia's response to the influx of Venezuelan migrants?

Despite the challenges, Colombia has been opening its borders and providing humanitarian assistance, including temporary residency, healthcare, work, and study opportunities for the migrants.

Why are some Venezuelan women selling their hair upon entering Colombia?

Women sell their hair as a means to make money to continue their journey, with the hair fetching around 100,000 Colombian pesos, equivalent to about 30 US dollars.

What economic situation in Venezuela is making it difficult for people to afford basic goods like a hot dog?

The economic situation in Venezuela is so dire that 87% of households are in poverty, making it nearly impossible for many to afford even basic food items.

How has the economic mismanagement by Nicolas Maduro contributed to Venezuela's crisis?

Nicolas Maduro's economic mismanagement has driven the country into an economic disaster worse than the Great Depression and the fall of the Soviet Union, leading to the current crisis.

What historical connection exists between Colombia and Venezuela that influences Colombia's current response to Venezuelan migrants?

Colombia and Venezuela were once part of the same country, Gran Colombia, and during Colombia's conflict with the FARC in the 80's and 90's, Venezuela took in hundreds of thousands of Colombian refugees, which is influencing Colombia's current hospitality towards Venezuelan migrants.

What challenges might threaten the solidarity between Colombia and Venezuelan migrants?

A rise in crime allegedly committed by Venezuelan migrants has led to skepticism and potential threats to the solidarity between Colombia and Venezuelan migrants.

How does the Colombian government provide support to Venezuelan migrants in refugee camps?

The Colombian government provides various services in refugee camps, including haircuts, manicures, and temporary residency, allowing them to live, work, and study in the country for two years.