A recent report by Human Rights Watch has highlighted the challenges faced by Haitian and Venezuelan migrants in South American host countries, prompting many to seek asylum in the United States. The report calls on Latin American governments to enhance protection schemes, grant legal status, and ease visa requirements for these vulnerable populations.
The lack of integration and regularization policies in South America has led to a growing number of migrants heading to the U.S. border each month. Many asylum seekers undertake a perilous journey, including crossing the treacherous Darien Gap between Colombia and Panama.
Human Rights Watch advocates for the implementation of a region-wide protection regime that would provide legal status to all Venezuelans and Haitians for a specified but renewable period, irrespective of their refugee status under domestic law. The group also urges governments to remove barriers hindering the integration of migrants, such as restrictive work permit regulations.
While some Latin American countries have made efforts to receive migrants and asylum seekers, challenges persist due to complex procedures, administrative delays, and limited capacity within asylum systems. Panama has witnessed a significant influx of migrants crossing the Darien Gap, with over 700,000 migrants making the journey in the past 18 months.
Venezuelans constitute a significant portion of those crossing the jungle, fleeing their country's political and economic turmoil. Similarly, Haitians face difficulties in obtaining residence permits and formal employment in South America, leading many to seek opportunities in the United States.
Research by the UN Refugee Agency indicates that a majority of Venezuelans attempting to seek asylum in the U.S. have previously resided in countries like Peru, Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador. The economic slowdown in South American nations post-pandemic has further exacerbated the challenges faced by Venezuelan migrants.
The report underscores the urgent need for Latin American governments to enhance protection measures, streamline integration processes, and provide support to migrants and refugees from Haiti and Venezuela. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensuring the well-being and rights of vulnerable populations in the region.
For more news on Latin America and the Caribbean, visit AP's coverage.
