Chile Considers Options to Address Potential Venezuelan Migrant Influx
Concerns over a potential massive influx of Venezuelan migrants following Nicolás Maduro’s controversial victory in the recent presidential elections have sparked various proposals in Chile. The potential arrival of a large number of migrants has generated immediate reactions in the country.
Possible Solutions Emerge
Various options have emerged to address this potential scenario, ranging from establishing temporary camps on the border to replicating the controversial “Cucutazo” policy of past years.
Chile’s Open-Border Policy Under Scrutiny
The Minister of the Interior, Carolina Tohá, confirmed that Chile will not close its borders and remains open to accepting quotas of refugees in collaboration with other regional countries. However, concerns linger regarding the potential impact of a large influx of migrants on the country.
Debate on Border Control and Regularization
Senator Juan Luis Castro proposes establishing temporary camps on the border to screen and process migrants, while Deputy Diego Ibáñez advocates maintaining an open-door policy for regular migration. This stance was met with disagreement by some, with Jorge Brito arguing that Chile is unprepared for another “Cucutazo” situation.
Regional Cooperation Crucial
To effectively manage the potential influx, Tohá emphasizes the need for regional cooperation and coordinated strategies to control the border. She suggests learning from the experiences of other countries that have faced similar situations.