ECPN Student Poster Contestant: Understanding the Pre-and Post-Migration Experiences of Venezuelans Migrating to the United States and Colombia: A Qualitative Analysis

Introduction

As Venezuela’s political and economic crisis worsens, more and more Venezuelans are emigrating. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Venezuelans account for the highest number of asylum applications in 2017 (more than 8,000 in March 2017 alone). Colombia, a neighboring country with easier access through its border, has also received a large influx of Venezuelan migrants. The cultural stress related to forced migration can affect the wellbeing of individuals and families. Understanding the pre- and post- migration experiences and challenges of Venezuelan migrants is crucial to the development of evidence-based interventions to address their needs. The present study aims to explore the migrating experiences of individuals with children who migrated to the United States versus to Colombia.

Methods

A sample of 507 Venezuelan immigrant adults, 288 in the United States and 219 in Colombia, completed the survey and open-ended questions. These immigrants were very recent (1.28 years since immigration in the US and 1.31 years in Colombia; 82% and 75%, respectively, had been in the US and Colombia for less than 1 year). Participants were recruited using respondent-driven sampling, which is often used to study hidden or hard-to-reach populations. Initial seed participants were recruited through community organizations aiding immigrants. Data were collected in South Florida (where most Venezuelan migrants to the US settle) and in Bogotá, Colombia. Questions asked were aimed at identifying key themes including their experiences during the migration process, challenges faced, current situation, and needs. Participants were adult Venezuelan parents with at least one child under the age of 18, who had migrated to either the US or Colombia in the last five years. A general inductive approach was used to analyze the data and derive themes.

Results

Themes that emerged included: nearly unanimously, the main reasons for leaving Venezuela were the economic crisis, lack of food, and safety concerns. Participants, particularly those in Colombia, reported that their quality of life is better even though they had better financial stability in Venezuela. Although most in Colombia reported that they would return to Venezuela if the situation changed, those in the US were more likely to say they would never return. Several parents reported that their child stayed in Venezuela and is currently living with a grandparent or other family member. Additionally, of those who migrated with their children, several described that Colombian children refuse to play with their children because they are Venezuelan.

Conclusion

Results from this study shows that Venezuelan migrants are facing cultural stress. This information is valuable and can be used to develop evidence-based interventions aimed at assisting these families better adapt and thrive in these new circumstances.