Millions of Venezuelans across Latin America cautiously await next steps

After U.S. forces deposed Venezuela's president, millions of Venezuelan migrants across Latin America reacted with relief but remained cautious; many are settled or undocumented and do not appear ready to return soon.

U.S. forces deposed Venezuela's president, and officials from Washington to Lima urged some of the millions who left Venezuela over the past decade to consider returning. Many Venezuelans in host countries welcomed the news but kept a wary stance. The country's economy remains severely weakened and much of the government apparatus remains in place. Host-country politics and recent deportations have left many migrants settled yet without secure legal status. Key facts about the diaspora: - Nearly 7 million Venezuelan migrants and refugees are in Latin America, with about 2.8 million in Colombia and 1.5 million in Peru, and roughly 1 million in the United States, according to R4V. - Some Venezuelans have established work or small businesses in host countries, while others are undocumented, have been deported, or face the end of protected statuses in the U.S. - After the president's capture, leaders in some host countries publicly encouraged returns, but many migrants interviewed say they are not prepared to go back. - Political shifts are under way: José Antonio Kast is due to take office in Chile in March, and Peru and Colombia hold national elections this year; policy choices in those countries could affect migrants' futures. Summary: The immediate reaction among Venezuelans abroad has mixed relief with caution, and many are opting to remain where they have built lives. The outlook depends on political decisions in host countries and conditions inside Venezuela. Undetermined at this time.