The Reverse Tide of Migrant Hope
Venezuelan migrants who once braved the treacherous Darien Gap for a chance at asylum in the US are now returning to their homelands after President Donald Trump's crackdown on migration left them without hope. Many spent months or even years waiting for an appointment with the Biden-era CBP One app, only to see it discontinued under Trump. The "reverse flow" of migrants has become a well-oiled machine, with smugglers charging steep costs for boat rides that once offered a shortcut to safety.
- The collapse of the Darien Gap's migrant smuggling industry may be an opportunity for governments and humanitarian organizations to rethink their approach to migration policy and provide more support for those seeking refuge.
- How will the long-term consequences of Trump's migration policies impact the lives of those who were forced to return, particularly women and children, and what role can international cooperation play in addressing the root causes of migration?