Migrants Abandon Hope and Return Home After Trump’s Asylum Crackdown
Giving Up on the American Dream
In the dense jungles near the Colombia-Panama border, a different kind of migration is unfolding—a reverse flow of people heading south. Migrants, primarily from Venezuela and Colombia, are boarding speedboats to return to the same countries they once fled. Many had endured treacherous journeys through the Darién Gap, only to find their paths to asylum in the U.S. blocked by President Donald Trump’s restrictive policies. The decision to turn back is a heartbreaking one, as it means abandoning their dreams of safety and opportunity in America.
A "Reverse Flow" of Migrants
The migrants once waited for months, even years, in Mexico for a chance to apply for asylum in the U.S. using the now-defunct CBP One app, a program introduced under the Biden administration. When Trump discontinued the program, their hopes were shattered. Karla Castillo, a 36-year-old Venezuelan migrant traveling with her sister, expressed the despair many feel: “When Trump arrived and eliminated the application, all our hopes went up in smoke.”
The Dangerous Journey Back
The boat route through the Indigenous Guna Yala lands, once a sought-after “VIP route” for migrants heading north, is now being used for the reverse journey. Smugglers charge exorbitant fees—$200 to $250 per person, including children—for the risky voyage. Many migrants, like Castillo, have spent their last savings on these trips, leaving them vulnerable and destitute. The boats are overcrowded, and the lack of police presence at checkpoints raises concerns about safety. On one recent trip, a boat carrying 21 people capsized off the coast of Panama, claiming the life of an 8-year-old Venezuelan child.
Personal Stories of Struggle and Disappointment
Castillo’s journey reflects the broader story of many migrants. She left Venezuela years ago, spending five years in Chile before attempting the perilous path to the U.S. But when she and her sister realized they had lost their chance at legal asylum, they made the painful decision to return to a country they had hoped to escape. “I was anxious to return home to my four children and mother,” Castillo said, her voice heavy with emotion.
Why Some Migrants Refuse to Return to Venezuela
Not all migrants are returning to Venezuela. Some, like Celia Alcala, are choosing to stay in other South American countries, such as Peru, Ecuador, or Colombia, despite the economic and legal challenges they face there. “There’s no way I’m going back to Venezuela,” Alcala said. “They are going to Peru, Ecuador, Colombia. Just like before.” Many fear the deteriorating political situation in Venezuela, exacerbated by recent elections that have sparked concerns about democracy and violence.
A Cycle of Risk and Uncertainty
The reverse migration highlights the broader migratory crisis in the region, as countries struggle to cope with the influx of people. Costa Rica has reported between 50 and 75 migrants crossing its borders daily, a fraction of the thousands seen just a year ago. But for those making the journey, the risks remain high. Juan Luis Guedez, a Venezuelan migrant traveling with his wife and daughter, summed up the uncertainty: “I don’t know if we will get there alive, but if we make it, the idea is to go back to Chile. My daughter was born there.”
The story of these migrants is one of resilience and heartbreak, as they navigate a system that seems stacked against them. With few options and diminishing hope, many are left to confront the same dangers and uncertainties they sought to escape.
