Podcasts > The Daily > A Mother, a Daughter, a Deadly Journey: An Update

A Mother, a Daughter, a Deadly Journey: An Update

By The New York Times

In a heart-wrenching episode of 'The Daily' with Michael Barbaro, listeners are taken on the harrowing journey of Venezuelan migrants, like Alexandra, who, against the backdrop of their country's devastating economic collapse, take life-threatening risks in search of safety and a stable future. A Mother's fight for her daughter under these dire circumstances is vividly chronicled, weaving a narrative that is as personal as it is representative of the larger Venezuelan crisis. The episode not only shares the grimmest facets of their journey but also serves as a testament to their indomitable spirit.

Amidst harrowing tales of their treacherous trek through the perilous Darien Gap, where migrants face both natural and human-made dangers, Barbaro brings to light the emotional reunion between Alexandra and her daughter Sarah—injuries and all. With unwavering determination, the episode follows Alexandra’s subsequent struggle toward legal sanctuary in the United States, supported by contributions from global readers. The resilience exhibited by this mother-daughter duo offers a glimpse of hope for many who remain ensnared by the throes of displacement, creating an intimate connection between the audience and the all-too-real struggles of Venezuelan refugees.

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A Mother, a Daughter, a Deadly Journey: An Update

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A Mother, a Daughter, a Deadly Journey: An Update

1-Page Summary

Economic Collapse and Mass Migration from Venezuela

Many Venezuelans like Alexandra are compelled to embark on perilous journeys due to the country's economic collapse, seeking safety and stability for their families. Facing separation, dangerous terrains, and the uncertainty of legal entry into new countries, their stories encapsulate the dire consequences of Venezuela's crisis.

Alexandra's story

Alexandra's quest for a secure future for her daughter Sarah led to a traumatic separation in the dangerous Darien Gap. Despite sustaining severe injuries that forced the separation, Alexandra heroically managed to reunite with her daughter. The reunion, filled with emotional apologies and reassurances, echoes the profound relief and ongoing distress experienced by many refugees.

Dangerous journey through the Darien Gap jungle

The Darien Gap jungle stands as a formidable barrier for migrants, including Alexandra and Sarah, with its deadly wildlife and unforgiving terrain. The stark reality of the danger is narrated through the grim tales of hardship faced by travellers. Notably, the number of individuals braving this journey has soared recently, rising to quarterly figures in a single year due to worsened economic conditions.

Update on Alexandra and Sarah's status

Despite the obstacles, Alexandra pursues a path to legal entry into the U.S. via the humanitarian parole program, buoyed by the support of readers and the global community. While her application awaits approval, Alexandra faces poverty but remains vigilant and hopeful, reflecting the resilience and aspiration of Venezuelans striving for a better tomorrow.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Darien Gap is a dense, dangerous jungle region that spans across Panama and Colombia, known for its challenging terrain, wildlife, and lack of infrastructure. It serves as a natural barrier between Central and South America, making it a perilous route for migrants and travelers attempting to cross between the continents. The area is notorious for its rugged landscapes, including swamps, mountains, and thick forests, which pose significant risks to those who venture through it. Due to its remote and hostile nature, the Darien Gap has become a hotspot for illegal activities, such as drug trafficking and the presence of armed groups.
  • A humanitarian parole program is a temporary permission granted by a country to individuals facing urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. It allows entry into the country for a specific period, often for those who do not qualify for a visa but require immediate entry due to compelling circumstances. This program is distinct from refugee status and is typically used for cases where there is a pressing need for entry but not necessarily meeting the criteria for refugee status. The decision to grant humanitarian parole is discretionary and based on the specific circumstances presented by the applicant.

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A Mother, a Daughter, a Deadly Journey: An Update

Economic Collapse and Mass Migration from Venezuela

The story of Alexandra and her daughter Sarah epitomizes the harrowing journeys faced by many Venezuelans fleeing their country's economic collapse.

Alexandra's story

Alexandra and her six-year-old daughter Sarah have experienced a heart-wrenching separation and a perilous journey in search of safety and stability.

Sarah separated from her mother

While traversing the Darien Gap, the treacherous jungle between Colombia and Panama, Alexandra became separated from Sarah when she sustained severe injuries to her feet. Reporter Julie Turkewitz emphasizes Alexandra's fear and horror upon being separated from her child.

Reuniting in Panama

Turkewitz brings hopeful news of Alexandra who, after days without food or water and suffering serious injuries, finally reunites with her daughter in Panama. The emotional reunion unfolds in a UN camp in the community of Kanan, where Alexandra is shaken and apologetic to Sarah, reassuring her that she never intended to abandon her.

Dangerous journey through the Darien Gap jungle

The Darien Gap jungle, a notorious bottleneck for migrants from South America, poses life-threatening challenges for individuals like Alexandra and Sarah.

Steep terrain, deadly animals and insects

Turkewitz describes the deadly terrain of the Darien Gap, which includes steep mountains, intense mud, venomous animals, and fast-running rivers. She notes the physical toll of the journey, highlighting the danger with an anecdote of migrants falling and the grim discovery of a dead body along the trail.

Increasing numbers attempting the journey

Between 2010 and 2020, an average of fewer than 11,000 people crossed the Darien Gap annually. However, Turkewitz points out that the number has skyrocketed to almost 250,000 crossings in 2022 alone. The pandemic's impact on South American economies is cited as a reason for this surge, leading to an increase in families and children making the perilous voyage.

Update on Alexandra and Sarah's st ...

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Economic Collapse and Mass Migration from Venezuela

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Darien Gap is a dense, dangerous jungle region between Colombia and Panama, known for its rugged terrain, wildlife, and lack of infrastructure. It serves as a natural barrier that prevents road travel between North and South America, making it a challenging and risky route for migrants seeking to pass through Central America. The area's isolation and harsh conditions have made it a notorious and perilous crossing point for individuals attempting to reach North America from South America. The Darien Gap has become a focal point in discussions about migration due to the dangers and difficulties it presents to those seeking to traverse it.
  • The humanitarian parole program is a discretionary measure that allows individuals to enter the United States temporarily due to urgent humanitarian reasons. It is not a visa or immigration s ...

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