This article is adapted from AQ’s special report on migration | Leer en español | Ler em português
Even before the coronavirus hit, Latin America was struggling to cope with an unprecedented challenge — to its economies, healthcare systems and societies at large.
More than 4.5 million Latin Americans have migrated elsewhere in the region since 2015. The numbers are truly staggering, and the cover of this issue is also an infographic showing where most of these migrants have traveled. The vast majority are Venezuelans fleeing their country’s ongoing tragedy, but Guatemalans, Nicaraguans, Haitians and others have also been on the move. Polls suggest most migrants intend to stay in their new homes — even if the situation back in Caracas or Port-au-Prince unexpectedly improves.
For the most part, the response from host countries has been generous — in a region far more accustomed to sending migrants than receiving them. Many Latin American governments have granted temporary visas or work permits, put extra shifts in schools to accommodate new arrivals, and publicly urged tolerance. As a New York-based publication, we cannot help but notice the contrast with the United States, and express our admiration.
Even so, the strains are clear, and growing.
This special report shows how host countries are dealing with this “Great Migration” — in schools, in the workplace, and beyond. Many migrants have college or technical degrees, or other skills sorely missing in their new homes. They have also brought welcome contributions to food and music. The risk is that these positive contributions and the general goodwill of recent years will now be forgotten as COVID-19 unleashes a terrible recession and increased competition for hospital beds and other public services.
Indeed, polls were already showing a backlash. A poll in December showed 62% of Colombians don’t want any more Venezuelans to join the estimated 1.7 million already living there. Fifty-two percent of Peruvians say they fear Venezuelans, up from 24% in 2018. Some politicians are already seizing on this xenophobia, urging an end to visas and programs for migrants.
But such policies usually force migrants to recede further into the shadows, not leave entirely, as the U.S. experience shows. That would cause even bigger damage to economies — and public health amid a pandemic. The last thing Latin America needs is the creation of a new permanent class of vulnerable people. The region’s generosity has been impressive; now is the time for more of it, not less.
Class Is In Session: Inside the Brazilian Schools Welcoming Venezuelans
A school on the Venezuela-Brazil border offers lessons for the whole region.
Colombia’s Migration Czar: The Goal Is “Total Inclusion” for Venezuelans
Reading Time: 4 minutesAn interview with Felipe Muñoz, the Colombian president’s special adviser for the Venezuelan border.
The Backlash to Venezuelan Migration Is Here
Even before the coronavirus, Peru and other countries were seeing greater xenophobia — with an uncertain impact on politics.
The Gig Economy: A Lifeline for Latin American Migrants – or a Dead End?
Companies like Rappi and Uber are helping many migrants get by. But host countries can do more.
How Latin American Countries and Cities Have Welcomed Migrants
A look at policies and initiatives for dealing with the influx of migrants.
The Creative Thinking Shaping Latin America’s Migrant Response
With very little aid or experience in hosting migrants, the region is thinking outside the box.
Estimated Migrant Flows Since 2015
A graphic look at the changing shape of migration in the region.
From Haiti to Chile, a Singer Bridges Styles – and Cultures
With Haitian rhythms and Spanish lyrics, Ralph Jean Baptiste shows integration is possible for other migrants.
Photo Essay: The Restaurants Giving Migrants a Taste of Home
A look at migration's mouth-watering impact on Latin America's culinary scene.
How To Make Migration an Opportunity for Latin America
Migrant influxes can be a boon for economies, but not without political will, good technology, and some fiscal flexibility.
Why Hiring Migrants Is Good Business in Latin America
Amid record migration, the private sector has a role – and it's a profitable one.
The Hidden Mental Health Crisis at Mexico’s Border
Migrants' struggles with trauma and mental health are going overlooked and undertreated.
Latin America’s Changing Remittance Landscape
New flows of people are opening up new remittance corridors.
When Caracas Was a Safe Haven From Tyranny
Under the Betancourt Doctrine, Venezuela became a refuge for Latin Americans fleeing dictatorship.
For Migrants in Latin America, Public Health Risks Go Beyond the Coronavirus
Measles, tuberculosis and other diseases have made a comeback and are threatening migrants.
