Is Colombia taking the fall for Venezuela?

Venezuela’s ongoing economical crisis has led to disastrous implications for neighboring countries especially Colombia, its neighbor. Amidst the dire economic situation, and inflation that has made normal day life unbearable, many have chosen to escape to Colombia in search of a better future.

“There are at least 10,000 individuals crossing the border into Colombia every day,’’ said Carlos Avila, a journalist at El Especatador in Bogota. Avilas believes this influx has caused enormous financial strains on Colombia’s weakened infrastructure and economy. President Ivan Duque, has allowed open borders with Venezuela but other Colombians are not so thrilled about the decision.

‘’At least one billion pesos in domestic funds is spent on Venezuelan refugees each year,’’ said Ana Avila, political science professor at El Rosario University, in Bogota.

And these funds are deducted from taxpayer money.

Colombia as an underdeveloped country is handling a massive task of accommodating refugees, and some predict that Colombia, unable to handle its own internal affairs, will collapse in the future due to Venezuelan refugees.

Decades prior, Colombia waged a war against drug cartels and the FARC, and Venezuela stretched out its arms and embraced fleeing Colombians.

So, should Colombia return the favor?

President Duque has given priority employment to Venezuelan refugees, leaving unemployed Colombians with degrees, frustrated. Nearly 11 percent of the population are unemployed, according to Moody’s Analytics, and some are pointing the blame to refugees.

The border should therefore be closed. Unfortunately, by turning its back against Venezuela, Colombia wont risk the livelihood of its own people.

One must take care of his own people, before he can of others.