“Better to stay in Mexico”: Ex-soldier who left Venezuela dedicated to helping immigrants legally in Ciudad Juárez

Eduardo VasconceloA retired Venezuelan soldier who was deported from the United States, he is now a lawyer in Ciudad Juarez, on Mexico’s northern border, where he has helped more than 3,000 migrants seek U.S. asylum.

In 2002, Vasconcelo abandoned his military career and fled the failed coup against then-President Hugo Chávez (2002–2013), fearing for his and his family’s lives.

Today, already qualified as a lawyer in Ciudad Juárez, Dedicated to helping immigrants from Central and South America enter the United States through this border.

After escaping Venezuela, Eduardo He has been an undocumented immigrant in the United States for nearly six yearsIn which he spent two years in prison and fought for his residence.

US authorities deported him to Venezuela, but he returned to Juárez in 2008, where 10 years later he qualified as a lawyer to become an ally of other migrants.

“When I came here to Juárez, ​​​​​​I learned to weld, we made tables for maquiladoras, then I worked in two other companies, then I decided to stop being an employee and studied law at the Cultural High School,” the lawyer explained to the agency. EFE.

Today, Eduardo takes advantage of his career Help immigrants legally stay in MexicoWhile advancing American territory.

The region is facing unprecedented migration flows More than 2.76 million undocumented immigrants are detained by the United States At the border with Mexico in fiscal year 2022.

In the last two years, more than 3 thousand migrants have passed through Yeddyurappa’s office.

“Cubans, Venezuelans, Haitians, Peruvians, Salvadorans, Hondurans, Guatemalans, Colombians, Nicaraguans, we have all helped.“, he proudly tells EFE.

“I am satisfied, much satisfied, to know that we can do something of service to the emigrants.“, Collaboration.

Even so, Venezuela believes Mexico is the best place for immigrants to thrive.

“In the U.S. they’re going to face very difficult situations, goals that they can achieve, but the cost is very high, the barriers are very difficult, the language, the legalization is very difficult, there’s a lot of discrimination, and we’re Latinos there and they’re always going to be in fifth grade.” or fourth grade.” ‘ he laments.

“On the other hand, in Mexico we speak the same language. “I can assure you that the Venezuelans who have decided to stay here have a much higher standard of living than many who have left,” he adds.

Now, the former soldier is seeking Mexican citizenship.

“The family I lost in my country, Juarez, is everything in personal development. I came to Juárez with nothing, I had a military career that was of no use to me here, and Juárez opened the door for me to progress,” he says.

As for the assistance it offers to immigrants, it says it’s important for them to obtain documentation that proves their continued residency in Mexico.

“There are three ways to legalize us: through a humanitarian visa, through keeping family here, or through employment. For these people who are escaping from political problems, the easiest way is the humanitarian way.” explains Vasconcello.

With that document, he notes, “they can work and move throughout Mexico.”

“I have been where they have been and I can provide them with legal support. The Mexican constitution protects the rights of every person,” said the immigrant lawyer.

Among those grateful for their support was Venezuelan William Macias who boarded the train. “The beast” After crossing the Darien, a section of jungle on the border between Colombia and Panama.

“The advice is very important, he knows his work, he knows what you are doing, now we are waiting, but at least he comes from our country and knows his work, so we already believe that he will help us from the heart,” he says.