By Amidst the ongoing migrant crisis in the United States, Hugo Hurtado and Mileidy Navarro, along with their two children, share their harrowing journey as part of the millions of Venezuelans forced to flee their country due to economic collapse and political turmoil.
Six years ago, the family left Venezuela for Bogota, Colombia, seeking a better life. However, economic struggles have once again pushed them to embark on another daunting journey in search of a brighter future for their children.
“We didn’t choose to leave our country; circumstances forced us to,” Navarro expressed, highlighting the dire situation faced by many Venezuelan families.
Venezuela’s economy has been steadily declining, exacerbated by President Nicolas Maduro’s tenure, leading to widespread poverty and unrest. The United Nations reports that since 2015, 7.7 million Venezuelans have fled the country in the largest forced displacement not caused by war.
Navarro recalls the challenges of their initial journey, including crossing the Simon Bolivar Bridge on foot to reach Colombia. Despite finding work initially, Navarro faced xenophobia, reflecting a broader trend of discrimination and violence against Venezuelan migrants in South American countries.
The family’s financial struggles persisted due to inflation and rising living costs, prompting Hurtado to venture to the United States in search of employment with plans to reunite his family later. However, border closures in Mexico thwarted their plans, forcing Hurtado to return to Bogota empty-handed after a grueling journey through the Darien Gap.
“We had no choice but to return,” Navarro lamented, highlighting the physical and emotional toll of their ordeal.
Despite the hardships, the family remains determined to reach the United States, acknowledging the challenges that await them. However, they cling to hope for a better future for their children.
“While we anticipate more challenges in America, we are driven by the desire to provide a better quality of life for our kids,” Hurtado affirmed.
Their story underscores the harsh realities faced by millions of migrants worldwide, shedding light on the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of displacement and support those in search of refuge and opportunity.
