“I check My Phone a Hundred Times a Day Looking for Data”: How Military Tension Impacts Venezuelan Exiles
MIAMI – For Venezuelan expatriates across the United States, recent escalations in military posturing between Venezuela and the U.S. trigger a renewed wave of anxiety and obsessive information-seeking, resurrecting traumas linked to the political and economic crisis that drove them from their homeland. The specter of conflict, however distant, compels many to constantly monitor news cycles, desperately seeking reassurance about the safety of family and friends still residing in Venezuela.
The emotional toll is significant, fueled by years of uncertainty and a deep-seated fear for the future of their country. This constant vigilance underscores the unique vulnerability of the Venezuelan diaspora – a community already grappling with the challenges of resettlement while remaining profoundly connected to a nation in turmoil. The current tensions, while not new, represent a potent reminder of the instability that prompted their emigration and raise questions about the possibility of a return home.
“I woudl love a change,which has to be gradual and not overnight,because Trump will not be able to solve the problem of Venezuelans either,” says Costa,a Venezuelan living in the United States,reflecting a common sentiment of cautious hope mingled with skepticism.
The anxiety isn’t limited to concerns about direct military confrontation. Many fear a further deterioration of the humanitarian crisis within Venezuela,possibly leading to increased repression and a new surge of refugees. The possibility of heightened U.S. sanctions, or conversely, a relaxation of existing measures, also weighs heavily on their minds, impacting their ability to send remittances – a vital lifeline for families back home.
Velásquez, another Venezuelan expatriate, articulates a broader longing for basic freedoms. “My wish is that this nightmare ends and that Venezuela can once again be a place where people can think, express their opinions and live in freedom. I wish for progress; I firmly wish that we evolve as a society, that there is real access to housing, a health system and quality education.”
This emotional strain is compounded by the difficulty of navigating misinformation and polarized narratives surrounding the situation. The constant need to verify information and discern fact from propaganda adds another layer of stress to an already fraught emotional landscape. For many, checking their phones “a hundred times a day” isn’t simply a habit, but a coping mechanism - a desperate attempt to maintain a sense of control in the face of overwhelming uncertainty.
