In 2023, a staggering influx of Venezuelan migrants surged across the U.S. border, surpassing previous records and prompting a significant response from the Biden administration. With over 50 thousand arrivals in September alone, followed by 85 thousand in the subsequent months, the scale of migration far exceeded the highs of 2022. In response, President Joe Biden announced the initiation of deportations for Venezuelans without legal grounds to remain in the country.
The decision led to a complex situation, prompting the U.S. and Mexico to implement repatriation flights in an attempt to alleviate tensions at the Southern Border. This, however, contributed to heightened chaos among the Venezuelan refugee population. The broader issue of immigration, particularly illegal crossings, remains a deeply divisive and polarizing subject, eliciting probing questions about the motivations driving such perilous journeys.
The heart of the matter lies in the profound and enduring trauma experienced by the Venezuelan people, both individually and collectively. Decades of oppression, poverty, violence, and colonization have left an indelible mark on the nation. According to the Department of Homeland Security, Venezuela is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis stemming from political and economic turmoil, human rights violations, and pervasive crime and violence. The population's access to essentials like food, medicine, healthcare, water, electricity, and fuel has been severely compromised, contributing to elevated levels of poverty.
Despite the ongoing challenges, there appears to be no immediate resolution in sight. The commitment to free and fair elections, a potential beacon of hope, was undermined as President Nicolás Maduro dismantled the election of an opposition candidate in the most recent electoral process. The plight of Venezuelan migrants, risking rape, death, arrests, and deportation, underscores the desperate circumstances driving their quest for a better life.
As the world grapples with the complexities of this migrant crisis, it becomes imperative to delve into the underlying causes and address the multifaceted challenges faced by the Venezuelan people.
I intimately understand this struggle, as the daughter of Jewish immigrants who sought refuge in Venezuela, escaping political, religious, and social persecution. Growing up in Venezuela allowed me to witness firsthand the profound hardships faced by the Venezuelan people. Later, I immigrated to the U.S., where I became a clinical psychologist specializing in trauma and post-traumatic growth. Over my 25 years of practice, I've assisted numerous immigrants and refugees navigating the traumatic journey of seeking a better life in the U.S., both voluntarily and as a result of dire circumstances.
Through these experiences, a poignant revelation emerged – the migrant crisis is, at its core, a "collective trauma." It is the shared experience of chronic, ongoing injustice and suffering within a community, group, or entire culture, where the collective consciousness is profoundly impacted. The repercussions of mass migration fracture the very identity that binds a culture together, leaving the fabric of Venezuelan society torn.
At the heart of collective trauma lies a profound sense of loss—a shattered connection to belonging. It goes beyond individual trauma, which ruptures personal assumptions about the world; collective trauma is a "crisis of meaning" that challenges the identity and belief system of an entire group. This fragmentation of a culture's shared history leads to division, isolation, and the disintegration of its core values.
For Venezuelans immigrating to the U.S., this collective trauma manifests as a profound feeling that their culture, beliefs, and traditions no longer hold significance. What once enriched their identity has become a perceived liability. Many Venezuelan refugee women I've interacted with express a profound loss of professional and familial identity. They grapple with redefining their roles as mothers, daughters, and sisters within their families, leading to a pervasive uncertainty about their purpose in life.
As the Venezuelan diaspora navigates these challenges, acknowledging and addressing the collective trauma is essential. By understanding the intricacies of this shared experience, we can work towards fostering a sense of belonging, cultural pride, and the restoration of a resilient collective identity.
It is within the crucible of intense suffering, injustice, and terror that parents find themselves compelled to take extraordinary measures to safeguard their children. For Venezuelan immigrants, this often involves braving perilous routes like the treacherous Darién Gap or crossing the Rio Grande into El Paso, Texas. While some may misinterpret their actions as recklessness, I perceive it as a manifestation of survival instincts prevailing over normal fear responses, a testament to the enduring trauma etched into their beings.
Once across the border, their struggle persists as they grapple with settling into a new country where the label "illegal aliens" already stigmatizes them. Collective trauma demands collective healing, a process contingent on the acknowledgment, recognition, and validation of immigrants' traumatic experiences by both their home country and the host culture. Unfortunately, many immigrants and refugees I've worked with recount a different narrative—one marked by retraumatization, prejudice, racism, and the constant specter of deportation, irrespective of their immigration status.
Even if fortunate enough to secure employment, they often endure subpar conditions and multiple acts of abuse, facing an uphill battle with no means of recourse. Living in a perpetual state of hyper-vigilance, the constant fear for themselves and their families compounds the psychological toll.
In charting a compassionate path forward, it is paramount to acknowledge that these refugees cannot return home without severe consequences. The U.S. government must extend basic emotional, psychological, and systemic support to Venezuelan immigrants, mitigating the risk of retraumatization. This assistance is crucial for rebuilding a sense of safety, security, and visibility in a new country—a haven for recovering nervous systems grappling with compounded trauma.
Additionally, directing funds toward local organizations, including NGOs and nonprofit agencies, can facilitate the formation of supportive communities. These communities become spaces for sharing stories, mutual assistance, and the reconstruction of interconnected networks, fostering individual and collective healing. When the history of oppression experienced by Venezuelan immigrants is validated and recognized, it becomes a beacon of hope. Providing a sense of safety and belonging not only empowers them to contribute meaningfully to their new home but also initiates a transformative journey toward healing for both individuals and the community at large.
In conclusion, the harrowing journey of Venezuelan immigrants escaping profound suffering and injustice to seek refuge in the United States is a testament to the enduring impact of collective trauma. Navigating perilous routes and facing stigmatization as "illegal aliens," these individuals, driven by a primal instinct for survival, embark on a journey fraught with physical and psychological challenges.
The notion of collective trauma underscores the imperative for collective healing, necessitating acknowledgment and validation from both the home country and the host culture. However, the experiences recounted by many immigrants and refugees reveal a stark reality marked by retraumatization, prejudice, and the constant threat of deportation.
To pave a compassionate way forward, the U.S. government must extend comprehensive emotional, psychological, and systemic support to Venezuelan immigrants, mitigating the risk of further trauma. This support is vital for fostering a sense of safety and security, crucial for the recovery of nervous systems grappling with compounded trauma experiences.
In addition, directing resources towards local organizations, including NGOs and nonprofit agencies, can facilitate the formation of supportive communities. These communities become spaces for sharing stories, mutual assistance, and the rebuilding of interconnected networks—essential elements for both individual and collective healing.
Ultimately, recognizing and validating the history of oppression endured by Venezuelan immigrants is a profound gift of hope. When provided with a sense of safety and belonging, individuals can contribute meaningfully to their new home, initiating a transformative journey toward healing for both the newcomers and the host community. In the pursuit of compassion and understanding, fostering a collective commitment to healing becomes a cornerstone for building a more inclusive and supportive society.