Columbia to Grant Many Undocumented Venezuelans With Legal Status

     As Socialist Dictator, Nicolas Maduro, continues to deprive and torture the Venezuelan people; many have risked their lives by fleeing to neighboring countries. Colombian President, Ivan Duques has states today that he will now provide almost 1 million undocumented fleeing Venezuelans with legal protection. The economic catastrophe of the Maduro regime has only strained the Venezuelan people more as his power continues. 1.7 million Venezuelans are now being let in by the Columbia government but there are still millions of others fleeing Maduro's Regime. Estimates have shown that the number can be over 6 million which is more than the Syrian Refugee Crisis. At a news conference, the Columbian President mentioned how he wishes to see other Latin American Countries assist the Venezuelan migrants as he states that "We hope that other countries follow our example." The Colombian government cannot assist the growing number of migrants alone and wishes that others will step up as well. This effort to help these undocumented migrants has also seen some backlash by political opponents and other nations. This crisis has led to those who disapprove of allowing undocumented people in their countries because of the higher percentage of such migrants committing crimes more than its citizens. Peru has implemented the use of militarized vehicles to defect migrants from trying to enter their country. The controversy of undocumented immigrants has now put a strain on both international leaders and the people fleeing authoritarian governments. Many understand that the Venezuelan people are suffering but the sheer number of people entering their country illegally can see great economic/cultural effects. Will other nations step up and take the same steps as Columbia? Or will nations follow suit with Peru and protect its citizens from the undocumented? The people of Venezuela flee from a dictator that continues to hold power with an iron fist, if other nations do not step in to assist the Venezuelan people then a greater immigration crisis will occur. 6 Million fleeing Venezuelans is just the estimate, who knows how many are willing to flee. International governments must deal with Maduro's Regime for the safety of Venezuela and also its neighboring states.

Jesse Solis

The Wall Street Journal - Article written by Kejal Vyas (February 8, 2021 7:18pm ET)

https://www.wsj.com/articles/colombia-to-grant-many-undocumented-venezuelans-with-legal-status-11612829931