LIMA, Peru – In recent years, South America has witnessed one of the largest immigrant movements in its history. The political instability and economic collapse in Venezuela, driven by Nicolás Maduro’s authoritarian regime have led millions to seek refuge in neighboring countries. Peru, with its relatively stable economy and open-border policies, became one of the primary destinations for Venezuelan migrants. By 2023, Peru had welcomed over 1.5 million Venezuelans, making it the second-largest host country after Colombia.
Peru’s infrastructure strained under the sudden population surge brought by the massive influx of immigrants, leading to competition for jobs, housing, and public services. Amid these pressures, the general public has expressed concerns regarding the presence of Venezuelans in the country. Over the last decade, instances of xenophobia toward Venezuelans have risen by 33%, as more flee the Maduro regime.
“If you want water, go back to your own country,” Normary Del Valle Ortega Ramirez, 37, was told when she first moved to Peru’s capital city, Lima, in 2016. Despite these challenges, many Venezuelan immigrants like Ramirez have found ways to persevere, forming strong, supportive communities.
For Ramirez, the safety and well-being of her two sons, Hector, 16, and José, 8, was the reason she decided to leave her home. Now in Peru, she navigates the complexities of starting over, finding solace in the friendships she has built and the support from local communities working to integrate Venezuelan migrants into Peruvian society.