This Christmas, Mariela Gomez experienced a holiday far removed from her dreams. For the first time in eight years, she spent the festive season in northern Venezuela. The change was prompted by the political landscape in the United States, particularly after Donald Trump resumed the presidency in January and intensified immigration restrictions.
Challenges Faced by Returning Venezuelan Families
During the holiday, Gomez tried to create a joyful atmosphere for her family. She dressed up and prepared a modest meal with her partner and in-laws, yet the celebration felt hollow. “We had a modest dinner, not quite what we’d hoped for, but at least we had food on the table,” Gomez reflected. Instead of the traditional Christmas dish of hallacas, the family had a lasagne-like meal. “Making hallacas here is a bit expensive, and since we’re unemployed, we couldn’t afford to make them,” she explained.
Journey Back to Venezuela
Gomez, along with her partner and two sons, returned to Maracay on October 27. Their journey began at the US-Mexico border in Texas, where they faced immediate deportation due to the strict immigration policies of the Trump administration.
After being sent back to Mexico, they embarked on a perilous route home, traveling through Central America. Despite their efforts, financial constraints forced them to take a hazardous boat ride across the Pacific. They spent two weeks in Colombia, waiting for assistance. Eventually, they received money to continue to the Venezuelan border.
The Migration Crisis
Gomez is among over 7.7 million Venezuelans who have fled their country in the past decade. The economic collapse resulted from declining oil prices, rampant corruption, and poor governance. Many Venezuelans, like Gomez, sought refuge in neighboring Colombia and Peru before attempting to migrate to the United States.
- As of September 2025, over 14,000 Venezuelan migrants returned to South America following new US migration restrictions.
- In 2025, more than 13,000 Venezuelans were deported back home via chartered flights.
Family Connections and Future Hopes
Returning to Venezuela also meant reuniting with her now 20-year-old daughter, whom Gomez had left behind during her earlier escape. They celebrated together during the holidays, aware that this might be their last time together for a while, as her daughter plans to migrate to Brazil next month.
Looking ahead, Gomez hopes to make hallacas for New Year’s Eve and seeks employment. Her primary wishes for the coming year revolve around health and family. “I ask God for many things, first and foremost life and health, so we can continue enjoying our family,” she said, expressing a deep desire for stability amidst uncertainty.
