Tens of thousands of people have fled Ecuador in the last several months amid an unprecedented surge in gang violence. Rising crime, along with lack of economic opportunities, have more Ecuadorians setting their sights on a better life in the United States.
Many Haitians fled their country’s economic and political instability even before the latest burst of violence. Some sought work in South America before heading for the United States. On the Colombia-Panama border, VOA's Austin Landis met a man prepping to cross the Darien Gap. Camera: Jorge Calle
The Darien Gap is a dangerous stretch of jungle on a narrow strip of land that connects Colombia to Panama. The path is taken by many migrants heading north to the U.S. border. VOA's Austin Landis traveled to the starting point of their trek to hear their stories.
Late Medellín cocaine cartel leader Pablo Escobar introduced a few of the huge hungry animals as extravagant, exotic pets and their numbers are now growing out of control
Colombian artist Fernando Botero, who died in September, was known for his plump and playful portraits of all levels of society - from a Colombian seamstress to crime boss Pablo Escobar. His ashes will be buried in Italy. Austin Landis has the story from Medellin.
The majority of people determined eligible so far have been referred to the US refugee program, according to a US official — a process that takes years to complete
The U.S. has opened new migrant processing centers in Latin America as part of the Biden administration’s strategy to prevent people from making the dangerous trek north to the U.S.-Mexico border. For VOA, Austin Landis visited the first one to open in Colombia.
