A Global issue that has caught my attention is the mass migration of Venzualian citizens into Peru. As a result of a corrupt government, a devastated economy, and skyrocketing inflation, millions of Venezuelans are forced to flee and find refuge in places like Columbia, Brazil, Ecuador, and here in Peru. This is recorded as the largest ‘forced displacement’ in Latin American history. At the start of this crisis, many Venezuelans were attracted to Peru because of the open door policy allowing immigrants to come and obtain temporary residency. However, these policies don’t go without criticism. For many Peruvians, the growing Venezuelan population has become a nuisance. For example, there are complaints about the overwhelming amount of street vendors. As a result, tighter immigration policies have proceeded as the problems in Venezuela continue to grow. Despite what the lives of these Venezuelans were in the past, they are forced to start at the bottom.
I have been fortunate to learn more about the crisis by developing relationships with actual Venzualians, which has made me want to speak out about it. For my ethnography, I wanted to learn more about how this immigration crisis affects Venezuelan people's real lives. I chose to interview a 28-year-old man named Carmelo. Carmelo is a Venezuelan citizen who has been living in Peru with his immediate family for about 5 years. Carmelo is a passionate musician who tries to make a living through concerts and street performances. Life for any musician is difficult; however, his situation is especially difficult because Peru doesn't have a strong artistic community. Many Venezuelans are taken advantage of because companies know the desperation Venezualians have to work. Carmelo describes the only choices he has been to 1. Work, 2. Follow his passion for music, or 3. Fight against the political system in Venezuela. Each choice carries its own weight of impossibility. Leaving Carmelo and many others with little to no options of freedom.
The complexity of this situation is why I believe no change has surfaced. If people knew a way out, they would have found one. The only solution I see is to continue to listen to stories that continue to be hidden from the media. By gaining a clearer perspective, I can share with others what's happening and hope to spark up a conversation that will emit change. In times like this, it is important not to forget that these are real people whose needs should not be forgotten. For me, the situation has highlighted the importance of having a voice in society. Many people in Venezuela have been killed because they tried to speak out about injustices. In America, we can express our own opinion without hesitation. Though we do not have a perfect political system, we have the power to impact our reality with our voice. I believe when the voice of others is silenced, it is our human duty to give them one. Though I can't change the situation directly, I can use my voice to bring attention to the issues that matter.
This video features a performance by Carmelo and his band
Peruvian and Venezuelan flags
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