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Abstract

This article examines the role of status in the life of Venezuelan migrants (asylum seekers and refugees) living in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T). The non-compliance by T&T with international obligations toward the protection of asylum seekers and refugees, places these Venezuelan migrants in a precarious situation due to the intersectional and layered nature of their status in T&T. The consequence of their legal status results in the targeting of Venezuelan migrants for having irregularly entered T&T. Racial and ethnic markers of status, along with sociocultural status are linked to attitudes of xenophobia by T&T nationals toward Venezuelan migrants and reinforce challenges of integration. The totality of these consequences of status on the reality for Venezuelan migrants in T&T undergirds a persistent state of fear. In an attempt to facilitate acceptance in T&T, they hide their accent, primary language spoken, and other aspects of their culture. Their voice is silenced but their stories are told through the advocates who work with them in T&T. In the midst of a hostile environment, these advocates use their status as T&T nationals to illuminate the fear-filled realities of Venezuelan migrants in T&T.

Keywords

status silence fear Trinidad and Tobago Venezuelan migrants immigration

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Silenced by Status: The Impact of Fear Among Venezuelan Migrants in Trinidad and Tobago

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