Judge suspends entry of Venezuelans into Brazil.

By Pedro Peduzzi - Reporter for Agência Brasil

By order of the federal judge of the 1st Federal Court of Roraima, Helder Girão Barreto, the entry of Venezuelans into Brazil through the border with Roraima is suspended. The decision was taken after the Attorney General's Office (AGU), the Ministry of Human Rights and the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office expressed their opposition to State Decree 25.681, which mandates greater rigor in public security and police forces at the border. The AGU informed this Monday (6) that it will appeal the measure.

According to the Attorney General's Office (AGU), the decree signed by the state government harms Venezuelans who came to Brazil, in addition to interfering in something that would be a federal matter. In the petition, the Attorney General of the Union, Grace Mendonça, says that the decree signed by Governor Suely Campos establishes discrimination and contradicts humanitarian principles adopted by Brazil.

The state decree was also criticized by the Ministry of Human Rights, which stated in a note that it will appeal to the Public Prosecutor's Office, since Brazil is a signatory to a series of international treaties that establish rights, duties, and rules that ensure rights for foreigners under the protection of the State.

In the decision suspending the entry of Venezuelans into the country, Judge Hélder Barreto states that "it is imperative to reject the idea that, in matters of immigration, the Union can do everything, and the states and municipalities must bear everything." He adds that the Brazilian State can adopt the immigration policy it deems appropriate, as long as it does not violate the Federal Constitution and the autonomy of the states, municipalities, and the Federal District.

"The burden of this policy must be shared by all and not borne by just one," the magistrate added, stating that Brazil welcomes Venezuelan immigrants "as long as they stay in Roraima."

According to Barreto's assessment, a pause in immigration to Roraima is necessary so that "an assessment can be made of the measures adopted so far and other more effective measures can be implemented to guarantee the humanitarian reception of Venezuelan immigrants, but also to ensure the enjoyment of the rights and guarantees of Brazilians and accelerate the so-called Interiorization process."

In his decision, the judge also mandates that the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) comply with the requirements regarding the mandatory vaccination of Venezuelan immigrants who have already been admitted.

Restrictions

The decree signed by the governor of Roraima, Suely Campos, allows state authorities to control entry at borders, such as in the city of Paracaima. In an interview, the governor stated that she will limit access to health services, such as hospitals.

Suely Campos justified the measure, claiming that the actions of federal agencies have been ineffective. The large influx of Venezuelans, the governor added, is having an impact on security in cities across the state.