UC Santa Barbara

Global mass displacement is at an all-time high. There are now over 100 million people displaced worldwide, and the number is only increasing. The reasons for this displacement are many, including wars, internal conflict, violence by non-state actors, natural disasters, and economic deterioration. The global refugee regime, which was created in the mid-20th century, was designed to help resettle refugees who were displaced as a result of wars in host countries that were willing to protect them. However, the constant turmoil of the past 70 years which has caused such mass displacement has far exceeded what the refugee regime was designed to handle. Today, nearly a quarter of the way into the 21st century, it is more important than ever to restructure the mechanisms that determine the fates of millions of refugees. As a global community, we must work to ensure that refugees can live with dignity, autonomy, and meaningful opportunities for their futures.

This thesis analyzes various state-based responses to refugee displacement, which typically bypass the usual procedures carried out under the global refugee regime. By examining the relatively recent and unique case of the “Venezuelan Exodus,” I look at which strategies have provided displaced Venezuelans with the most effective protections, legal statuses, and opportunities. Building off Alexander Betts’ concept of survival migration, I argue that Venezuelans who have fled their country should be considered refugees, given that, for many reasons, conditions in Venezuela have become unlivable for them. As my case study, I provide an in-depth analysis of the Brazilian response to Venezuelan refugees known as “Operação Acolhida.” Through this unique state-based and military-humanitarian approach, Brazil has offered Venezuelan refugees access to the country, shelter and aid, and relocation opportunities, although the majority of Venezuelans in Brazil are not formally recognized as refugees. This case highlights the shifting notion of what it means to be a refugee, the possibilities that can arise with a reframing of “resettlement,” and the growing role of military bodies in humanitarian and civilian affairs.

My research on global mass displacement and refugee migration has shown that state- based models of refugee response are more effective in complex situations of mixed migration flows. I compared various state responses to the Venezuelan refugee crisis and, more specifically, gathered data through five months of fieldwork in Brazil to examine the strengths and challenges of Operação Acolhida. I found that a universal global model for assisting refugees will not provide them with the best opportunities possible. Tailored state- specific models work better for refugees locally and can also provide useful best practices that could potentially be implemented globally.