VENEZUELA

MY STORY ... YOUR FUTURE?

Everything I hate about capitalism ... Is socialist!

Long lines at the DMV, rising health care costs, higher taxes and failing transportation. –– Are the things Americans complain about the most really the result of a capitalist system? Or are they the result of a big government, central planning, socialist system?

After living in the U.S. for more than two years since fleeing their home country of Venezuela, TFAS Outreach Fellows Jorge Galicia and Andrés Guilarte say these events remind them of the government overreach and control that ruined their country: socialism.

Find out more in their exclusive four-part interview series on Youtube.

To learn how you can hear their story firsthand, view Host a Lecture.

STAY INFORMED + Spread the Message

TFAS Outreach Fellows and Venezuelan asylum seekers Jorge Galicia and Andrés Guilarte say the government intervention they see here in the states reminds them of the overreach control that led to the downfall of their country: socialism. Find out more in the exclusive four-part interview series on Youtube. Help us warn Americans that socialist policies lead to a permanent pandemic-like state by using the buttons below.

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Meet Our Speakers




Andrés Guilarte

Andrés Guilarte is a political activist for the freedom of Venezuela. Only a few years ago, he was a university student, studying international relations at the Central University of Venezuela. On top of exams and typical college student concerns, Andrés’ studies were interrupted by tear gas as government officials targeted students on campus. He spent his college years advocating for his fellow students and fighting back against the rise of tyranny and erosion of freedoms. He was a member of Estudiantes por la Libertad (Students For Liberty Latin America), serving as a coordinator from 2015-16 and a senior leader from 2016-17. In early 2019, he left Venezuela to intern with the Cato Institute in Washington, D.C. Today, he continues to push back against the rise of government control by sharing his story.


Jorge Galicia

Christian, lawyer and freedom fighter – these are the words that define Jorge´s life. Before socialism devastated his country, Jorge lived a life not unlike that of middle-class Americans. But now, he is one of 4 million Venezuelans who have fled their country following its economic, social and political collapse. Living under a socialist tyranny showed Jorge the dangers of letting the State grow. From a very young age, he has been speaking out about the very real damages caused by socialism and has made it his life’s mission to win the fight. He was a member of Estudiantes por la Libertad (Students For Liberty Latin America), serving as a coordinator from 2015-16 and a senior leader from 2016-17. Today, he travels college campuses speaking out and sharing his story.

Host A Lecture

Venezuelan political activists Andrés Guilarte and Jorge Galicia are now available to speak to your university or campus group and share their stories. Andrés and Jorge had to leave their lives in Venezuela after an oppressive regime crippled the economy, caused widespread starvation, blanketed the nation in blackouts, and silenced and jailed those who dared to speak out and criticize the government. With an eyewitness perspective they answer the question: How did a country with so much wealth and promise completely collapse? Could it happen in the United States? Their answer will surprise you!


Interested in having Jorge or Andrés speak on your campus? We can host webinars and look forward to in-person sessions as soon as possible. Contact TFAS Executive Vice President Steve Slattery at sslattery@TFAS.org or 202-986-0384. This is a FREE educational opportunity for your campus. The Fund for American Studies will pay for the speaker’s travel, lodging and honoraria. Once your event is confirmed, you will be provided with marketing materials to help you promote your event.

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Featured In



FoxNews.com: Venezuelan asylum-seekers warn that lockdown-era America is a taste of socialism

The Bold and Blunt Podcast: COVID-19, America and the Stink of Socialism

The Epoch Times: Venezuelan Political Activists Warn US Students About Socialism

The College Fix: Venezuelan warns: America under coronavirus lockdown a glimpse of America under socialism

The Federalist: Venezuelan Asylum Seekers Issue Stark Warning To Americans Experiencing Symptoms Of Socialism

International Policy Digest: Venezuela, France, and Soon America? Perspectives from Two Asylum Seekers

Capital Research Center: Socialism Always Fails

PanAm Post: Venezolanos exponen los riesgos del socialismo en universidades de EEUU

The Steve Cortes Show: Venezuelan native, Andres Guilarte, joins Steve to talk about the dangers of socialism and what it has done to his country

Carolina Journal Radio: Venezuelan Andrés Guilarte warns Americans about the dangers of socialism

Carolina Journal: Venezuelan student activist recounts horrors of socialism to U.S. peers

The College Fix: Meet the two Venezuelan exiles warning college students against socialism

The Hillsdale Collegian: Venezuelan citizen shares experience with socialism

Life with Liz: Interview with Jorge Galicia and TFAS President Roger Ream on the "Venezuela: My Story ... Your Future?" project

Chicago's Morning Answer: Interview with Jorge Galicia and Andrés Guilarte to discuss the "Venezuela: My Story ... Your Future?" project