Optimism among Venezuelan immigrants in Austin fades amid disputed election

Venezuelans in Austin await outcome of disputed presidential election

For Venezuelans in Austin, Monday was filled with uncertainty as they awaited news following the disputed presidential election results in their home country. Yeneree Torrealba, 33, a Venezuelan immigrant working as a house cleaner, took breaks to check her mother's texts and social media for updates. Despite opposition claims of victory and widespread doubt about the legitimacy of the election, Nicolás Maduro appeared headed for a third term. Venezuelans abroad feared another six years of the regime that has impoverished their once-wealthy nation.

The previous evening, over 200 Venezuelans gathered in Cedar Park, hopeful for a change. They wore flags, chanted opposition slogans, and danced to traditional music. Their expectations were high, believing that domestic and international pressure would force a fair election and bring about Maduro's defeat. However, their joy turned to despair as news broke that Maduro had claimed victory.

"We're tired. The people are tired. Humanity's tired...The government made itself rich and us poor," said Jesús Capote, a Venezuelan migrant who attended the rally with his family, including their dog, Niña, who wore a tattered Venezuelan flag.

Yeneree Torrealba, who left her four daughters in Venezuela due to losing her business, longs to return home. "It's frustrating...I'm used to meeting up every day at 5 in the evening with my grandmother, mother, and daughters for coffee." While she dreams of a different Venezuela, for now, her focus is on reuniting with her daughters: "I’m not going to take away opportunities from them...Maybe their kids will [see a different Venezuela]."

Sources:

• AP News
• Reuters