Dear Nexia Friends,

 

It is a pleasure to greet you all. I hope you’re all well and safe. I am seeking political asylum in the US (Florida) for myself, wife, and kids.

 

Things in Venezuela have become more difficult than before. Although there is no longer exchange control, and foreign currencies are freely circulating in the economy, they have been also affected (the purchase power of 100$ in September 2020, you need today 190$ to buy the same things). Many of our clients have ceased operations in our country due pandemic situation and some others (contractors of the Government) were forced to reduce to the minimum its operations due OFAC sanctions. We have been approached by several potential clients, but after our due diligence, we have declined to any engagements with them because we have found they belong to either some government’s officer or military officers which have been sanctioned.

 

In terms of COVID situation, only 7% of the population have been vaccinated, and corruption is present within the process. I have to pay 800$ for our two doses (my family group). Also health system is collapsed for the increase of the cases (even private hospitals as well).

 

In addition, there is a gasoline shortage (ironic isn’t it? The country with the largest oil and gas reserves in the world, has no gasoline for its internal market). People spend 16-24 hour line to put subsidized gasoline, otherwise they have to pay it at international prices (lines are shorter, but sometimes one have to spend 4-5 hour line). We have also constant blackouts due an electricity collapse nationwide.

 

Caracas is a beautiful city but has become in one of the top ten most dangerous cities in the world.

 

In the short term, Venezuela will be a good place to invest because government knows that they need private investors. That is why I am board member of Venezuelan Private equity association (Venecapital), but as long as the government continues their anti private sector policies and offer no legal warrants, nobody will come.

 

As you might have read above, I must take my family out of this country. And please do not get me wrong, I love Venezuela and proud to be born here, but my family deserve a better future that our country nowadays is not able to provide them.

 

In order to survive in the United States while I await my work visa, our minimum living needs will be $35,000 this first year, and it is likely to take that long to receive my work visa. Of the $35,000 we need $5,000 just to get to the US and another $10,000 for legal/asylum application costs, rental security deposits. basic food, shelter, childcare needs, and such. Then we expect to need $2,500/month in living expenses for about 8 homes totaling $20,000.

 

I really appreciate this gesture from you and I will always be grateful for this.

 

I want to thank you all in advance and God bless you.

 

Proud to be Nexian

 

Kind regards

 

Luis Cardona