Amid authoritarian shadows, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela grapple with massive waves of migration reshaping countless lives.
Since 2018, over 7.7 million Venezuelans have fled their country, marking the second-largest global exodus, according to the UN Refugee Agency.
This significant migration trend is also evident in Nicaragua and Cuba, showcasing a historic shift in demographics.
Notably, a substantial number of Cubans have sought refuge in the United States, with over 645,000 detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection from 2020 to 2023.
Cuba currently faces economic turmoil and disillusionment with its government, sparking a noteworthy emigration wave of youth and skilled workers.
Meanwhile, Nicaragua has witnessed an intellectual exodus due to government control over educational and cultural institutions, with around 700,000 Nicaraguans leaving since the 2018 political crisis.
In Venezuela, over 7.7 million young adults have departed, facing limited educational and professional prospects abroad.
These migration patterns accentuate the dire need for policies that enable diaspora contributions to their homelands’ recovery.
In conclusion, these nations grapple with severe governance crises, as authoritarianism stifles freedoms and depletes essential human resources, leaving lasting social and economic ramifications.