Faced with hardening anti-migration policies implemented by the U.S. government, President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro made an emphatic plea to Venezuelan migrants to return to their homeland. During an event in Macuto, in which the president inaugurated several works related to transportation, roads, solar energy, he explained that the South American country is not only recovering economically but actively resisting sanctions and the international financial blockade imposed on Venezuela by Western powers.
“They (the migrants) must understand that this Venezuela to which you will return (…) is now a nation that has stood up and is a better Venezuela, from which you are not going to leave,” Maduro promised. The head of state reiterated that Venezuela is undergoing a process of recovery and profound transformation that aims to provide opportunities for all.
“Migrants must know,” Maduro specified, “that the criminal sanctions of imperialism tried to destroy and collapse Venezuela.” However, the country is now “calm, at peace, progressing; I tell you this so that you can rescue and recover your right to happiness.”
The president underlined the impact of foreign coercive measures against his country, describing them as responsible for the difficulties and hardships that forced the departure of millions of Venezuelans. Reports indicate that over 1.2 million Venezuelans have returned.
Speaking on Tuesday, the president also pointed out that over the past four months, 400,000 returning migrant children were enrolled in Venezuelan public schools. These children “did not have the right to free public education,” Maduro recalled. “In many places, they were discriminated against for being Venezuelan due to the smear campaign led by the far-right against Venezuela…These children came to Venezuela, where they are safe, happy, and receiving an education. In their homeland, they now have a secure space to learn and grow.”
The ongoing commitment to welcoming migrants, as well as their reintegration into society, is a promise the Venezuelan government has vowed to uphold.
With information from Xinhua News
