Venezuelan Immigrants Hesitate to Return Home Despite Maduro's Capture

Following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in January 2026, the global Venezuelan diaspora initially reacted with euphoria, with many expressing immediate intentions to return home. However, months later, the majority of the approximately 8 million Venezuelans living abroad remain in their host countries. According to the United Nations and interviews with migrants in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay, the hesitation stems from the unresolved underlying issues that forced their exodus, including a ruined economy and persistent repressive governance under the new leadership of Delcy Rodríguez. While the initial news sparked emotional celebrations and hopes for family reunification, the reality of daily survival and lack of structural change has dampened enthusiasm for repatriation. The article highlights personal stories of migrants who, despite the regime change, feel unsafe or economically unable to return. This situation underscores the complexity of the humanitarian crisis, where political shifts do not immediately translate into stability or improved living conditions for refugees scattered across Latin America and beyond.