Venezuelan Asylum Seekers Face Reverse Migration Crisis

Thousands of Venezuelan asylum-seekers have faced a perilous journey since February 2025, as many have been denied the right to apply for protection at the United States-Mexico border. This situation has forced numerous individuals, including those previously residing in the U.S. who have been deported, to head south—either back to Venezuela or onward to other Central and South American countries.

The phenomenon of reverse migration raises significant concerns about the ability of regional countries to ensure the safety and support of these migrants. Recent fieldwork conducted in Costa Rica revealed troubling insights from those who have abandoned hopes of crossing into the U.S. Many cited various obstacles along their journey, leading to what can be described as journey fatigue.

Physical exhaustion was a common theme among the migrants interviewed. They recounted long waits, economic hardships, and experiences of violence in Mexico, compounded by rising incidents of fraud and theft. Access to institutional and humanitarian support has steadily declined, leaving many in dire situations.

The situation worsened significantly due to recent changes in U.S. asylum policies, including the termination of the two-year humanitarian parole program and the suspension of asylum processing for Venezuelans and citizens of 18 other countries. The abrupt cancellation of the CBP One mobile application, which allowed asylum-seekers to schedule appointments at ports of entry, further dashed the hopes of those waiting for a chance to request asylum.

Increased Uncertainty and Struggles

As the environment becomes more uncertain, many migrants have made the difficult decision to head back south rather than pursue entry into the U.S. This is often done under conditions of high unpredictability regarding migration regimes and support networks. Many individuals find themselves trapped for months in limbo, lacking both the means to move forward and the ability to sustain themselves. Some resort to begging or informal work to survive.

A Venezuelan couple interviewed at the Costa Rica-Panama border described their struggles to feed their family and secure transportation while coping with the absence of available shelters. They often sang in restaurants or begged as a means of survival, highlighting the desperate conditions faced by many.

The concept of “voluntary return” is frequently presented as a solution by international organizations and receiving countries. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) implements the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) Program, which facilitates the return of Venezuelans to their home country. However, the safety of returning depends heavily on conditions within Venezuela, and most migrants interviewed expressed that they did not feel safe returning home.

Political Instability and Future Prospects

The recent U.S. intervention in Venezuela, including the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, has added further uncertainty to the political landscape. Following Maduro’s capture, his Vice-President, Delcy Rodríguez, assumed the role of interim president, suggesting that the authoritarian regime could endure despite foreign intervention. The implications of U.S. oversight during an unspecified transition period remain unclear, particularly as it does not involve a transition of power to opposition leaders.

Amid this instability, many displaced Venezuelans are considering settling in countries such as Chile, Colombia, or Costa Rica as alternatives. Yet these destinations are increasingly showing signs of rejecting Venezuelan migrants. The recent election of Jose Antonio Kast in Chile, who campaigned on controlling “irregular immigration,” has created an atmosphere of hostility towards migrants, with threats of mass deportations looming.

In Costa Rica, the asylum system is under severe strain, with appointments for refugee claims taking over two years to schedule. Such delays lead to anxiety among displaced individuals and discourage them from seeking protection. Research indicates that migration flows are often fragmented and influenced by changing policies, economic opportunities, and social networks, making the dynamics of reverse migration even more complex.

In light of these challenges, it is crucial to reaffirm the international protection regime. Northern countries, including the United States, Canada, and European Union member states, hold a historical responsibility to ensure effective access to asylum for those fleeing violence and persecution. Any reform of regional migration governance must prioritize this principle, ensuring that the rights of displaced individuals are upheld.

Governments, international organizations, humanitarian groups, and civil society must collaborate to design responses that reflect the realities of shifting migration flows and the needs of people on the move. The situation for Venezuelan migrants demands urgent attention and action to safeguard their rights and well-being.

This analysis draws on insights from Guillermo Candiz, an assistant professor of human plurality at Université de l’Ontario français, and Tanya Basok, a professor of sociology at the University of Windsor.