The Venezuelan crisis continues to wreak havoc across the country. But its effect might also be sending international shockwaves too. As a result, authorities across the region are bracing for a possible new migrant influx and places like Denver have already announced plans to deal with the issue.
A new report by Axios now reveals advocacy groups in South Florida are also closely monitoring the aftermath of Venezuela's disputed election, preparing for the potential arrival of more immigrants if the unrest continues. It's worth noting that the sunshine state is home the largest share of Venezuelan immigrants in the United States with 47% of the total, according to the Pew Research Center.
Adelys Ferro, Venezuelan American Caucus executive director, expressed to the outlet what what the outcome of the current crisis in the Latin American country could entail:
"Obviously, if [President Nicolás] Maduro stays in power, there's going to be a new exodus. That's a fact. It's important to emphasize that right now, nobody is leaving.There's still so much hope that [the opposition] has evidence to prove that Maduro committed the biggest election fraud in decades."
Ferro's organization has been working hard through the years to "help build multi-cultural, community-driven coalitions to support the interests of the Venezuelan community across the United States," as their website reads. They also help fight disinformation around Venezuelan and Latino communities and push for policies, such as their successful push for the granting of TPS for Venezuelan nationals living in the United States.
Upon the prospect of a new migration wave, Ferro explained that the Venezuelan American Caucus is ready to immediately start coordinating efforts with border organizations with plans such as launching social media campaigns to educate Venezuelans on what to expect when they reach the border.
Florida politicians have also been monitoring the situation in Venezuela closely as the issue has turned into one of the rare occurrences in which local Democrats and Republicans can agree on.
From Republican governor Ron DeSantis to the Democratic mayor of Miami Dade, from GOP congressman Matt Gaetz to the Florida Democratic party itself, condemnation has been swift and stern across the board.
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