Venezuela Migrant Crisis // Resiliencia

In 2017, Venezuelans began fleeing hardship in their host country. Now, eight years later, nearly 7.9 million Venezuelans remain migrants and refugees away from home, making it the second largest refugee crisis in the world today. Many have made huge sacrifices to survive in unfamiliar places. While the stories of many are difficult, they are resilient people. For the past three years, I've met and talked with many of these incredible people who desire to someday return home.

*All photos are my original work and have received expressed and written approval from individuals pictured.

Lima, Peru, 2024

Peru is home to the second largest population of Venezuelan migrants and refugees in the world but struggle to navigate a complex legal system. In Lima, often through NGOs, Venezuelans are creating opportunity through entrepreneurship, opening bakeries or handcraft businesses since education credentials from Venezuela are not often seen as legitimate.

Necocli, Colombia, 2023

Colombia hosts the most Venezuelans in the world - offering a generous temporary status for up to 10 years. However, many still choose to try and seek asylum in other countries, such as the United States or Canada, often involving a dangerous journey through the Darien Gap. This journey begins in Necocli, Colombia, which has become a staging center for hundreds of thousands crossing the jungle.

Lima, Peru, 2024

Necocli, Colombia, 2023

Necocli, Colombia, 2023

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