Migration from Chile to Peru: Key Drivers

Primary Factors Driving Migration

Political Climate in Chile

Presidential candidate José Antonio Kast's campaign promises to detain and expel undocumented migrants if he wins have created fear and uncertainty, driving migrants to leave Chile voluntarily before potential forced deportations.

Migrant Composition

Mostly Venezuelans who originally fled economic and political crisis in their home country. This large, specific group feels targeted by the anti-immigration rhetoric and is seeking a safer route, often back toward their home country.

Peru's Response

Peru declared a 60-day state of emergency on its southern border, deploying the military to reinforce border control. This has stranded migrants in border areas, with Peru explicitly stating it lacks the capacity to accept more undocumented migrants.

A Reversal of Migration Patterns

This situation represents a reversal of traditional migration flows in the region. For years, Chile has been a destination for hundreds of thousands of migrants, including many Venezuelans, because it is one of Latin America's most stable and prosperous nations. The current exodus from Chile back toward Peru and other northern countries underscores how quickly political rhetoric can alter regional migration dynamics.

Key Context and Implications

The Catalyst is Fear

The primary driver is not a current policy, but the fear of a potential future one under a Kast presidency. His campaign videos have given undocumented migrants an ultimatum to leave voluntarily or face detention and expulsion with "only the clothes on your back".

A Regional Challenge

This event highlights the broader migration challenges in South America. Peru is simultaneously a country of origin, transit, and destination for migrants and has received over 1.5 million Venezuelans since 2015. Its declaration of a state of emergency shows the strain that shifting migration patterns place on neighboring countries.

Humanitarian Concerns

Chilean officials have expressed concern that "rhetoric sometimes has consequences" and have emphasized the need to prevent a humanitarian crisis, as migrants are left stranded between borders.