Hundreds of migrants, originating from a dozen different countries, initiated their trek from southern Mexico with hopes of reaching the U.S. border before the November elections. They aim to beat any potential restrictive policies, particularly those proposed by a future Trump administration.
The Associated Press reported that starting their journey on Sunday, the migrants left the border town of Ciudad Hidalgo, situated adjacent to a river marking Mexico’s boundary with Guatemala.
Donald Trump's promises to shut down asylum-seeker access if reelected have stoked fears among migrants, leading to the formation of the caravan. Many are apprehensive that their permits to cross the border and secure appointments via the CBP One app might be blocked under stringent immigration rules.
Miguel Salazar, a migrant from El Salvador, expressed his concerns about the upcoming election. “We are running the risk that permits (to cross the border) might be blocked,” he remarked. Salazar, 37, believes the app route is the preferred choice once migrants reach northern Mexican territories. The app can only be accessed once they reach Mexico City or northern states.
Many migrants have endured weeks in Ciudad Hidalgo waiting for permits to allow travel northward. These permits are critical since traveling by bus or train has become increasingly difficult, with Mexico imposing stricter controls. For those entering without visas, permits are rarely granted, leading instead to detention and deportation to the country's southern border.
Despite the challenges, forming a caravan appears to be the safer option for many, mitigating the risks of attacks or detainment. Nonetheless, these groups often disband in the southern parts of Mexico due to fatigue and harsh conditions.
Oswaldo Reyna, a Cuban migrant, described his arduous journey into Mexico from Guatemala 45 days ago. Having joined the caravan, Reyna criticized Donald Trump’s rhetoric, arguing that the migrants are merely seeking a better life. “We are not delinquents. We are hard-working people who have left our country to get ahead in life, because in our homeland we are suffering from many needs,” Reyna said.
The extensive waits and bureaucratic hurdles in Ciudad Hidalgo have not deterred the migrants, but have emphasized the importance of migrating collectively. While the caravan significantly reduces the likelihood of attacks, its members must deal with fatigue and dwindling resources.
Mexico’s tightened travel restrictions have compounded the journey for these migrants. The reluctance to grant travel permits often results in repeat detainments and deportations to southern Mexico, making an already arduous journey even more punishing.
Hindered by Mexico’s stringent immigration enforcement, the migrants face the grueling prospect of continuing their journey on foot. As they progress north, they remain unified by the hope of reaching the U.S. border before any further changes in immigration policies.
Molino Salazar’s sentiments echo the broader apprehensions within the caravan. These migrants are acutely aware that delays or stricter regulations could drastically affect their chances of receiving asylum. The CBP One app, which can only be utilized in specific Mexican regions, represents a crucial lifeline.
For many, the idea of a Trump administration sealing the border is a paramount concern. This has galvanized their resolve to advance together, improving their odds of making it safely to their destination.
The migration journey, fraught with obstacles and uncertainties, remains a testament to their resilience and aspiration for a better life. While migrants like Oswaldo Reyna continue to counter negative portrayals, they share a common story of fleeing hardship in search of hope and stability.
Hundreds of migrants commenced their journey from Ciudad Hidalgo, striving to reach the U.S. border before the November elections. Fueled by fears of a potential Trump administration curbing asylum-seeker access, they organized into a large caravan for safety and solidarity.
Miguel Salazar from El Salvador fears blocked permits if Trump wins. Many migrants prefer using the CBP One app, accessible only after reaching Mexico City or northern states. Battling fatigue and strict travel restrictions, they persevere, aiming for a safer future.
