Latin America urged to protect Venezuelans and Haitians in crisis

Human Rights Watch has urged Latin American governments to enhance protection measures for Venezuelan and Haitian migrants facing significant challenges in accessing work, education, and healthcare. The report highlights that restrictive visa requirements and limited integration policies are pushing these vulnerable populations to seek asylum in the United States. Many migrants undertake perilous journeys, including crossing the dangerous Darien Gap, to reach the U.S. border. In the past 18 months, over 700,000 migrants have traversed this treacherous jungle, with Venezuelans making up approximately 65% of those crossing. The situation for Haitians is equally dire, as they face gang violence and acute food insecurity in their home country, prompting 11,000 to attempt the crossing this year alone. The report emphasizes that while some Latin American nations have made strides in accommodating migrants, the overall response has been inadequate due to complex procedures and administrative delays. Asylum systems are overwhelmed, leading to significant backlogs and hindering the ability of migrants to secure legal status and work permits. The United Nations Refugee Agency indicates that many Venezuelans seeking asylum in the U.S. have previously attempted to settle in South American countries like Peru, Chile, and Colombia. The ongoing economic challenges in these host countries further complicate the integration process, leaving many migrants with no choice but to continue their journey northward.