What Happens at The Border?

On April 23rd, Brookings, a Washington-based research organization, published an article titled “Venezuela’s Refugee Crisis: Views From the Border”. Dany Bahar, traveled to Cucuta, Colombia, for the article. Cutuca is one of the most active crossings for Venezuelans hoping to get into Colombia. He spoke to several Venezuelans about why they crossed the border and what the experience is like. Some Venezuelans are simply passing through, using Cucuta as a way to get to other parts of Colombia or South America. Some visit for the day, using the popular location as a place to sell goods and services, and bringing any money they earn back to Venezuela for their families. Some are children, who cross the border simply to go to school, and then return home. Several local businesses provide free food to the visitors, and a local church provides shelter. According to the article, 3000-5000 people crossing every day stay in Colombia or pass through to get to another part of South America.

 

I was surprised to find out that most Venezuelans only stop by Cucuta for the day. A lot of Venezuelans are paying money to be smuggled out of the country, so it was interesting to see that the border crossing isn’t being exploited. The article focuses a lot on the hospitality of the Colombians. Local businesses are surprisingly accommodating to the visitors, providing them with basic services, mostly for free. I was not expecting Colombians to be okay with the massive floods of people coming into their city, but the majority seem willing to help people in need. The article also briefly talks about two Venezuelan citizens who carry bags for travelers across the bridge. Their carts often get taken by the Venezuelan National Guard, for no reason. It also mentions that some visitors are in Colombia to buy medication that is not available in Venezuela. Other than this, the article mostly stays away from the topic of Venezuela’s situation.  Overall, the article doesn’t go into much detail, and focuses on the atmosphere at the border, but what it does say is enough to get a glimpse into Venezuela’s refugee crisis.

The original article

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