After thirty years living in Houston, I have seen first-hand the growth of the Venezuelan community in our city. I grew up in a predominantly Mexican and Central American neighborhood, so meeting someone from Venezuela was not very common. Moreover, in our city that country’s community was not so extensive; I’m talking about several years ago.
However, in the past decades Venezuelans arrived in Space City in large numbers. So much so, that as time has passed and I have worked in this industry, I have had the opportunity and the blessing to meet wonderful Venezuelan people. I have had to work with excellent coworkers, I have maintained good friendships and shared with that community.
It has been a pleasure to share moments, try their food, and, at the end of the day, have that Latin connection that Houston offers.
However, behind all the experiences I could share about my relationship with Venezuelans, there are many stories they have shared about the reason they emigrated to our region.
The Venezuelan population in the Houston metropolitan area more than tripled between 2012 and 2022, surpassing 50,000 residents in the entire metro area, according to data from Migration Policy Institute.
The western side of the city, to be specific, the Katy suburb, is where the majority of Venezuelans are concentrated; we even all call it “Katyzuela”.
Those who are here had to flee that country after the late 90s, when Hugo Chávez began his presidency, which transformed that country into one under the hard hand of a dictatorship.
A fellow journalist shared how she had to leave and seek asylum in this country after being persecuted by Chávez’s regime. She and her husband left everything behind and never saw loved ones who died, because they could not return. A young man I met recently has recounted the dangers he faced to reach the United States, crossing the Darién Gap, and how he had to make several stops and work as a barber to complete his journey.
I have had the opportunity to cover protests and conferences during various stages of the Venezuelan community that has worked tirelessly to demand freedom from exile.
Also the situation of an acquaintance who sees in front of her the opportunity to stay in this country now that TPS has ended. The anguish with which she lives day by day watching the news and praying to God that the government will show mercy and extend protection so that she can remain here.
I remember in the newsroom where I worked the jubilation that gave my Venezuelan colleagues when Chávez died, perhaps contradictory, but for them it was a hope of returning to their country or of their loved ones having a better life.
That same jubilation we felt this past January 3, when Nicolás Maduro was arrested and the thirteen-year regime came to an end.
My social media profiles were flooded with posts from acquaintances and friends who celebrated that beacon of hope for their country.
Today, among the 8 million Venezuelan exiles, those residing in the Houston area have the dream of seeing their country free and perhaps returning soon, maybe not to stay, but to witness freedom. However, their presence here continues to enrich with their culture and their large community.
