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During the 20th century, "Venezuela was a haven for immigrants fleeing Old World repression and intolerance" according to Newsweek. [2] Emigration began at low rates in 1983 after oil prices collapsed, though the increased rates of emigration, especially the flight of professionals, grew largely following the Bolivarian Revolution which was led by Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez. [33]
At a refugee facility in Santiago, Venezuelans waited in line to be attended. One woman, who asked not to be named, declared "I'm here seeking asylum, having fled my country."
What factors have compelled millions of Venezuelans to leave their homeland and seek refugee status in Latin America, the Caribbean, and the U.S.?
The extension, which the Venezuelan-American community and immigration activists hailed as a victory, offers temporary deportation protections and work authorizations.
Repatriation assistance of Colombian-Venezuelans had also reached a record number in the first quarter of 2015 and in early 2015, Martin Gottwald, the deputy head of the United Nation's refugee agency in Colombia, warned that many of the Colombian refugees that had fled to Venezuela may move back to Colombia. [11]
Because of the Venezuelan geographical location as a gateway to South America, this nation has been the plot for many newcomers, even taking place before Columbus' discovery when many aboriginal inhabitants came and left Venezuela. During the later centuries African-descendants from the Caribbean islands entered Venezuela as immigrants.
Rather than be greeted with a cold shoulder, the Venezuelan refugees were given a helping hand. When they turned up at Poverello House hungry and seeking refuge from the rain, they were given food.
It has been calculated that from 1998 to 2013, over 1.5 million Venezuelans (between 4% and 6% of the Venezuela's total population) left the country following the Bolivarian Revolution. [38] Former Venezuelan residents have been driven by lack of freedom, high levels of insecurity, and inadequate opportunities in the country.