Cúcuta, Colombia Provides Lifeline for Venezuelan Migrants

Colombian authorities say more than 30,000 pedestrians cross over the Francisco de Paula bridge from Venezuela into Colombia. (Photo by Diego Huertas/VOA Spanish)

While most Venezuelan migrants are on subsistence shopping forays, many are joining the exodus of millions who have given up on their homeland and emigrated elsewhere in recent years due to the turmoil at home. (Photo by Diego Huertas/VOA Spanish)

At the Simon Bolivar International Bridge, Venezuelans can get cash for bits of gold or silver, even hair. (Photo: Daniel Huertas / VOA Spanish)

Venezuelan migrants arrive in Cúcuta, Colombia after crossing over the Simón Bolivar bridge. (Photo: Diego Huertas / VOA Spanish)

At this Colombian street market, vendors sell potatoes, diapers, toilet paper, tires, Venezuelan cigarettes and various other items. (Photo: Diego Huertas / VOA Spanish)

Some Venezuelans some cross the border for the day, but others have decided to move to Colombia. (Photo: Diego Huertas / VOA Spanish)

Los Patios Toll, Cúcuta, is the first stop for migrants entering Colombia. (Photo: Diego Huertas / VOA Spanish)

While some migrants search for work in nearby towns, others travel to large cities such as Bogota (walking 563km /350 miles), Medellin (595km / 370 miles). Others flee to countries such as Ecuador, Peru, Chile and Argentina. (Photo: Diego Huertas / VOA Sp

Las Margaritas health center is located just around the corner from the Colombia-Venezuela Border. Every day, the staff take care of 100 to 120 children. (Photo: Diego Huertas / VOA Spanish)

Some of the patients waiting to be seen at the Las Margaritas health center. (Photo: Diego Huertas / VOA Spanish)

The Scalabrini International Migration center has two rooms, one for men and one for women, and can accommodate 70 people. (Photo: Diego Huertas / VOA Spanish)

A view of the accommodations at the Scalabrini International Migration center in Cúcuta, Colombia. (Photo: Diego Huertas / VOA Spanish)