News|Donald TrumpPhotos: A Venezuelan family Christmas – from the US dream to poverty
In January, the return of Donald Trump to the White House marked a significant shift in immigration policy, impacting Venezuelan immigrants in the United States. The administration's measures have resulted in increased deportations, affecting thousands…
In January, the return of Donald Trump to the White House marked a significant shift in immigration policy, impacting Venezuelan immigrants in the United States. The administration's measures have resulted in increased deportations, affecting thousands of individuals who previously sought refuge in the country.
Mariela Gomez, along with her family, experienced the impact of these policy changes firsthand. Returning to Venezuela for the first time in eight years, Gomez faced the challenges of unemployment and poverty upon her return. Despite efforts to adapt, financial constraints affected traditional holiday celebrations.
Gomez and her family returned to Maracay on October 27 after being detained at the US-Mexico border and subsequently deported to Mexico. Their journey back to Venezuela involved crossing Central America primarily by bus and navigating challenging routes through Panama and Colombia due to financial limitations.
The administration's measures have resulted in increased deportations, affecting thousands of individuals who previously sought refuge in the country.
According to data from Colombia, Panama, and Costa Rica, over 14,000 migrants, predominantly Venezuelans, have returned to South America since September. This follows policy changes under President Nicolas Maduro, who, under pressure from the White House, began accepting deportees from the US.
Regular flights operated by a US government contractor and Venezuela’s state-owned airline have facilitated the return of more than 13,000 migrants this year. These deportations represent a significant shift in the operational landscape of immigration between the US and Venezuela.
Gomez plans to reunite with her family in Venezuela, including her daughter, who plans to migrate to Brazil soon. She hopes to secure employment and maintain good health in the coming year.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
