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OVERVIEW

The Community Stabilization Activity (CSA) provides technical assistance to the Colombian Government to address the mass migration crisis from Venezuela. The ongoing influx of Venezuelan migrants to Colombia since 2017 has placed increasing pressure on public systems, like health and education, especially in regions near the border with Venezuela where institutional capacities are limited.  Recognizing these challenges, CSA was designed to support the government in helping receptor communities to integrate migrant populations. CSA works with the Government of Colombia to implement a comprehensive mass migration public policy and provides critical support for the implementation of regularization pathways such as the implementation of the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelan migrants.


GOALS

DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE ASSISTANCE STRATEGY

CSA strengthens local and national government capacities to facilitate regularization efforts for Venezuelan migrants in Colombia. Since 2021, CSA has supported the Colombian Migration authority to implement the TPS program to grant regular status to eligible Venezuelans for a period of 10 years which enables their access to public and private services as well as formal economic opportunities. CSA supports the continued operation of TPS registration points, Puntos Visibles, throughout the country. It also implements communications and outreach strategies, including TPS card delivery campaigns and service fairs. CSA is also working in public schools to facilitate student’s TPS registration.

IMPROVE MIGRANT ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE

During its initial phase (2018-2021), CSA facilitated migrant and host communities’ access to basic health services by organizing mobile health campaigns, developing healthcare events, and working with public hospitals and clinics to improve the quality of care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, CSA also improved individuals’ access to care through virtual and in-home medical consultations.

PROMOTE SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL INCLUSION

During its first phase (2018-2021), CSA promoted economic opportunities for migrants by working with the private sector to overcome technical and legal hiring barriers and promoting labor law compliance. It facilitated migrants' access to entrepreneurship opportunities, job and soft skills training, and psychosocial support. CSA also developed communication campaigns against discrimination and exploitation of migrants in receptor communities. 

SUPPORT LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS

CSA supported migrant socio-economic inclusion through community-based organizations, including civil society organizations (CSOs), foundations, public and private universities, and more. It also delivered grants to Venezuelan-led organizations to promote TPS registration. Working closely with CSOs, CSA continues to play a key role in providing information and guidance to the migrant population regarding regularization alternatives and access to services for integration.  

KEY RESULTS  

●    Designed and implemented the Puntos Visibles Strategy. To date over 2.4 million Venezuelans have registered to regularize their status in Colombia and 1.9 million have received TPS.
●    Coordinated efforts between Puntos Visibles and USAID supported Intégrate Centers (one-stop shops) in nine cities to facilitate migrant’s access to critical basic services.
●    Supported TPS registration for 2,884 children enrolled in 31 public schools.
●    Improved infrastructure, equipment and technical capacities in 32 hospitals where Venezuelan migrants received critical health services.