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More than 14,000 migrants, primarily from Venezuela, have made the decision to reverse their journey toward the United States, choosing instead to return to South America due to recent shifts in U.S. immigration policies under President Donald Trump, as Newsmax reports.
This significant “reverse flow” of migration is attributed to the recent U.S. immigration crackdown, closing opportunities for many asylum-seekers and greatly impacting Venezuelans fleeing poverty and political crises.
This development marks a notable shift in a migratory trend that had once seen Venezuelans among the many attempting to journey to the U.S.
A country facing a severe economic and political crisis since 2017, Venezuela witnessed over 8 million of its citizens leave for other South American countries.
Historic migration flow sees shift
More recently, these Venezuelan migrants have been attempting the arduous journey to the United States, with movements peaking in 2023 as over half a million migrants navigated the Darien Gap.
However, changes brought about by the Trump administration have caused a dramatic shift in their plans.
By early 2025, the once fervent northbound migration had dwindled, with reports indicating a 97% drop in those continuing toward the U.S. Interviews conducted with migrants traveling south through countries such as Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia reveal the stark reality facing these individuals.
Statistics show that a staggering 97% of those reversing course are Venezuelan, with half expressing intentions to return to Venezuela. Nearly all cite the newfound legal obstacles in reaching the United States as their primary roadblock.
Challenges face southbound migrants
The winding paths back to their country of origin or alternate destinations unfold as harrowing tales. While some migrants are determined to reach Colombia, others find themselves uncertain about their final destinations.
The significance of this migratory reversal extends beyond logistical struggles. Underscoring this point are the vulnerabilities arising in such situations.
On these treacherous routes back, migrants expose themselves to potential scams, exploitation, and dangerous conditions.
In his statement, Scott Campbell, a U.N. human rights representative stationed in Colombia, urged vigilance: “Most of these people are already victims of human rights abuses.”
Risks endured on trip home
As thousands press on in their reverse migration efforts, Campbell continued with a poignant reminder: “We urge authorities to aid people in this reverse migration to prevent them from being exploited or falling into trafficking networks.”
Returning migrants now wrestle with limited options and scarce resources during their journeys southward. The Venezuelan migrant crisis has also placed countries such as Colombia under substantial strain.
In response, these nations, alongside others in the region, have sought international assistance to address the multifaceted challenges arising from this major human movement.
International aid, support sought
The perils facing migrants include precarious boat rides costing between $260 and $280, exposing travelers to potential accidents or worse. Despite these setbacks, the gritty resolve of those seeking a safe haven remains unwavering.
Crucially, changes in U.S. policy, such as the discontinuation of the smartphone app launched under former President Joe Biden to process asylum-seekers, have further compounded these challenges for some. This app had previously served as a tool for migrants seeking legal routes into the United States.
Ultimately, this marked shift in migration patterns highlights not only policy impacts but also the broader humanitarian considerations at play. As migrants navigate this complex landscape, calls for comprehensive international support continue to rise in urgency.
The post 14K migrants turn back to South America amid US immigration changes under Trump appeared first on Washington Digest.
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