Migrants, desperate due to the crisis in their country, are forced to look for alternative routes to continue their journey in search of refuge and new opportunities.
The migratory phenomenon has reached Tuxtla, about which migrants have mentioned that when they see no progress, they seek to leave in small groups of 10 or 15 people to continue on their way, since the crisis in Venezuela has led thousands of its citizens to seek refuge and new opportunities in other countries, among them are many women who have decided to leave their homes behind to ensure a better future for themselves and their families.
Sandra Casein, one of the migrant women of Venezuelan origin, has commented that they have preferred to leave in groups, since they have not found another way to leave the country. She is an example, since she has already been stranded for two months, she has six children. In an interview he said: “Yes, the majority leave like that, they grab their things, they get their little money, they put it together and they leave (…) Yes, little by little, for example, tomorrow a friend is leaving, who has a special little girl, if she manages to arrive. I’m leaving too,” says Sandra, evidencing the precariousness and urgency that drives so many to leave their native country.
The migratory route is full of dangers, and for many of these women, the safest option is to travel in groups or caravans. Luisana Valero, another migrant, highlights the importance of this strategy. “No, in a caravan it is easier, because that way they take care of each other, because going alone is riskier, more dangerous,” explains Luisana. Traveling in a group not only provides a greater feeling of security, but also allows migrants support each other in the face of adversity along the way.
The decision to emigrate is not easy and is loaded with personal sacrifices. Sandra Casein commented on the situation that led her to make this difficult decision: “The Venezuelan government took away my house, I don’t have a house, that is, I arrived from Venezuela and I have nowhere to go, if I came here it was to buy a house, not in Venezuela, because I never want to return to Venezuela again.” This testimony is a reflection of the multiple reasons that lead migrants to seek a new beginning far from their country of origin.
Migration is marked by stories of pain and struggle, but also of hope and solidarity. Migrant women, like Sandra and Luisana, find crucial support in migrant groups that allows them to move forward. Despite the challenges, these women show remarkable resilience and a fervent desire to build a better future.
The situation in Venezuela continues to force many people to leave everything behind in search of a better life, having to face the dangers along the way in search of security and stability.
It is worth mentioning that the immigration authorities transfer them from Tapachula, and leave them adrift, so far they are not doing their immigration process, so for this reason the people who arrive of different nationalities assure that the only way to leave is in caravans or small groups, since if they buy a bus ticket they lose the money when they are taken off and returned.
Meanwhile, on the roads of Tuxtla – Ocozocoautla, small groups can be seen seeking to reach the center of the country, to expedite their immigration process, or to the northern border and cross into the US to achieve the desired dream.
Original article by Thiaré García, El Heraldo de Chiapas, May 27th, 2024
Translated by Schools for Chiapas.
Original photo Thiaré García, El Heraldo de Chiapas.