A new caravan comprising hundreds of migrants started its journey toward the U.S. border from Ciudad Hidalgo, Mexico, fuelled by concerns over potentially tougher immigration laws.
According to the Associated Press, hundreds began their passage from the southern tip of Mexico on a quest to reach the U.S. before potential policy changes.
The migrants, coming from as many as a dozen countries, are pressing north amidst fears of increased restrictions, especially with the U.S. presidential elections looming. They worry that a potential presidency under Donald Trump could lead to stricter border controls, influencing their decision to move now rather than later.
Miguel Salazar, a migrant from El Salvador, voiced concerns about the future accessibility of border crossing resources, particularly the CBP One app, a digital tool that has helped many migrants schedule appointments to apply for asylum legally at the U.S. border. “We are running the risk that permits might be blocked,” Salazar mentioned, hinting at the urgency felt by many in the group.
Aside from political apprehensions, Mexican immigration tactics have also influenced the timing of the caravan. Migrants have faced intensifying detentions and stringent checks by Mexican authorities, particularly when attempting to travel north by public transport.
The recent formation of such groups, known as caravans, highlights a strategic shift among migrants. Traveling in larger numbers is seen as a safety measure against the risks posed by gangs and immigration officials. This strategy is particularly crucial as they navigate the long, treacherous routes through Mexico.
The migrants' route began in Ciudad Hidalgo, which is located close to Guatemala. Their journey has seen them progress on foot through several locations, including Suchiate in Chiapas state.
Oswaldo Reyna, a Cuban who crossed into Mexico around six weeks ago, sheds light on the migrants' perspective. Reyna counters the often negative portrayal of migrants, emphasizing their essential human dignity and aspirations.
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.
The technological limitations of tools like the CBP One app, which many find unusable until reaching northern Mexico, add another layer of difficulty to their already challenging journey.
Sadly, the journey is marred by more than just physical exhaustion and fear of policy changes. With increasing difficulties in using public transport due to tight regulations on carrying passengers without appropriate visas, migrants often find themselves walking immense distances.
Additionally, reactions to recent political developments in the U.S., including Biden's exit from the presidential race, have created an air of uncertainty and urgency among the migrants, pushing them to take dramatic steps, such as forming large caravans.
In conclusion, the caravan's journey is driven by a clash of fear and necessity. Migrants face a labyrinth of challenges, from onerous travel restrictions within Mexico to broad geopolitical shifts impacting their fate. They travel together, sharing the burdens and hopes of a journey fraught with uncertainty yet propelled by a collective determination to strive for a better life.
