Venezuelan Professionals Break Migrant Stereotypes

A New Beginning in Juarez

Oswaldo Hernandez Tabata, a maxillofacial surgeon from Venezuela, once believed that the oppressive conditions he witnessed in Cuba during his studies would never occur in his home country. However, when socialist leader Hugo Chavez came to power in the early 2000s, things quickly changed. He began expropriating private companies, forcing producers to sell below cost, and replacing experienced administrators with loyalists. This led to widespread corruption, shortages of basic goods, and a collapse of the Venezuelan economy.

Hernandez, who had previously studied dentistry in Cuba, found himself leaving Venezuela in search of stability. He arrived in the Mexican border city of Juarez, choosing not to cross into the United States but instead to stay in Mexico. “It’s not easy to leave, but socialism is a synonym for communism,” he said. “When they take away your freedoms, it’s time to leave.”

In Juarez, he found a community that was more accepting of migrants. “Half of them were not born here, so they understand migrants,” he noted. The cultural similarities between Venezuelans and Mexicans also helped him adapt. “We like Mariachis, we like Juan Gabriel. You adapt more quickly.”

Hernandez co-founded International X Dental Clinic five years ago, providing jobs for 10 Mexican residents. He credits his success in Juarez to hard work and a willingness to fit in. However, he expressed concern about some recent arrivals from Venezuela who are not as open to integrating into Mexican society. “Some Venezuelans may not like my opinion,” he said, noting that many of his countrymen who arrived later have been misled by the idea that life in the U.S. is easier.

Technology and Innovation in Juarez

Jonalex Herrera, a New Mexico State University graduate, has also found success in Juarez. He began creating training videos for maquiladoras (factories) in 2018, using virtual reality to provide employees with immersive, 360-degree training experiences. His work with Johnson & Johnson involved developing videos that teach workers how to step into cleanrooms and apply the Japanese 5S method in their work areas.

Herrera’s journey to Juarez began after Hugo Chavez was re-elected president of Venezuela. He secured a Mexican student visa and enrolled at Monterrey Tech, where he studied information technology. His experience in virtual reality media eventually led him to start New Discovery Media, a company specializing in technology, film, and marketing.

“I was able to go many places, but we have things to do (in Juarez). It has given me so much,” Herrera said. “When you arrive as a foreigner to a place that is not your own, what you can contribute has a lot to do with how you are received. In Juarez, I was able to do things that I would not have been able to do in Venezuela.”

A Warm Welcome in Juarez

Luis Eduardo Bosco, another Venezuelan entrepreneur, moved to Juarez 20 years ago and found a welcoming community. He recalls how a neighbor welcomed him with homemade pozole every Sunday. “Those are the things that make you feel like you belong,” he said. He described Juarez as a multicultural city with a strong sense of community.

Bosco started a business supplying maquiladoras, including FoxConn, and found opportunities in Mexico that were not available in Venezuela. “I saw a lot of industry; I saw a lot of opportunity. I did give (the United States) some thought, but the opportunity was in Mexico,” he said.

He noted that while recent arrivals from Venezuela face more skepticism, the process of obtaining work permits has become easier. “My message to them is, come to work, to become better. Earn your future, don’t expect it to be handed down.”

Advice for New Arrivals

Both Herrera and Bosco emphasize that life in the U.S. is not as easy as some may believe. “Life in the United States is as hard as anywhere else,” Bosco said. “You may have a car, but things are much more expensive. It’s very difficult to talk to Americans if you don’t know their language.”

They encourage new arrivals to stay in Mexico, where the language and culture are more familiar. “If you are willing to work, stay here,” Bosco said. “That’s my recommendation.”