Venezuelans in the US cope with aftermath of deadly earthquakes
· science
Earthquakes Without Borders: A Looming Crisis in Exile
The devastating back-to-back earthquakes that struck north-central Venezuela on June 24 have left an indelible mark on the country, claiming over 6,500 lives and displacing countless others. The disaster has also had a profound impact on Venezuelans living abroad, particularly those who fled their homeland’s economic collapse and authoritarian rule.
For these individuals, the earthquake serves as a harsh reminder of their precarious existence in exile. Trapped between two worlds, they are unable to return to Venezuela but are forced to confront its ongoing struggles from afar. According to official estimates, over 1.2 million Venezuelans live in the United States, with many more scattered across Latin America and beyond.
Their numbers have grown exponentially since 2024, as economic hardship has pushed families to seek refuge elsewhere. Kelly Granado Montano’s experience is a stark illustration of this reality: she had not seen her parents for 11 years but spent countless hours fundraising and pleading on social media for help in finding them after they went missing under the rubble of their apartment building.
The earthquake has exposed deep-seated psychological wounds within the Venezuelan diaspora. Alejandro Marquina’s story is a powerful testament to this: after losing five relatives in La Guaira, he struggled with panic attacks and survivor’s guilt. Therapy helped him begin to process his emotions, but it was sending aid that provided a sense of purpose – and solace – during a time of unimaginable grief.
As the United States tightens its grip on Venezuela’s domestic affairs, the fate of over 700,000 Venezuelans living here legally hangs in the balance. The recent deal granting U.S. access to a fifth of Venezuela’s oil reserves has sparked debate about its implications for the country’s sovereignty and economic future. For those like Diana Ramos, who have lost everything – including their homes and livelihoods – twice in one year (first in Venezuela, then again in Colombia), it is a stark reminder that their struggle is far from over.
In this time of turmoil, there are glimmers of hope. Nurses like Dariela Merchan, who long to use their skills on the ground but are stymied by expired passports and shuttered consulates, find ways to channel their energy into supporting overwhelmed healthcare workers in Venezuela. Their handwritten notes, tucked into donated supplies, serve as a poignant reminder that – even from afar – they remain connected to their homeland.
The earthquake has shattered the illusion of a clear distinction between home and exile. For Venezuelans living abroad, it has become a constant reminder of their fragile existence – suspended between two worlds, forever bound to a homeland in crisis. By supporting programs that allow more than 700,000 Venezuelans to live and work here legally, engaging in conversations about the future of Venezuela’s oil reserves, and listening to their stories, we can begin to rewrite this narrative.
Crises know no borders, and it is our responsibility to ensure that aid, support, and solidarity do as well. Only then can we hope to rebuild not just the shattered lives of those affected but also the very fabric of their community – one that transcends geography and speaks to a shared humanity.
Reader Views
- CPCole P. · science writer
While the article shines a much-needed light on the plight of Venezuelans in exile, it glosses over the long-term economic consequences for those affected. The influx of earthquake-related aid from the US is likely to displace existing funds meant for other humanitarian crises, exacerbating an already dire situation within Venezuelan communities abroad. Policymakers must address this issue by prioritizing targeted support that addresses both immediate needs and the systemic issues driving displacement – rather than simply treating symptoms.
- DEDr. Elena M. · research scientist
The Venezuelan diaspora in the US is facing a humanitarian crisis that goes beyond the immediate aftermath of the earthquakes. As aid shipments and rescue efforts are redirected to Venezuela, many here are struggling with feelings of abandonment and powerlessness. It's essential to acknowledge the psychological toll this disaster has taken on Venezuelans abroad, not just as a moral imperative but also to address the long-term mental health implications for individuals like Alejandro Marquina, who have already been displaced once by economic hardship. We must consider how to provide more comprehensive support services for these communities, rather than simply treating their symptoms.
- TLThe Lab Desk · editorial
The devastating earthquakes in Venezuela will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences for its diaspora in the US, but what's striking is how little attention is being paid to the long-term effects on these individuals' mental health. The psychological toll of displacement and loss, compounded by the pressure of fundraising and advocacy efforts, cannot be overstated. It's high time policymakers acknowledged the complex needs of Venezuelan immigrants and provided support for culturally sensitive therapy services – a crucial investment in their well-being and our collective future.