Asylum seekers at the southwestern U.S. border find themselves increasingly vulnerable due to former President Donald Trump's decision to suspend asylum processing, a move that has escalated the dangers they face. The situation has left many in precarious conditions amidst threats from organized crime, drug traffickers, and corrupt officials. Human rights groups have criticized the suspension, arguing that it breaches both U.S. and international laws designed to protect the right to seek asylum.
The CBP One app, a crucial tool for scheduling asylum appointments, has become virtually non-functional under Trump's administration. This has exacerbated the difficulties faced by migrants relying on the app for processing their claims. The Casa del Migrante shelter in Reynosa, Mexico, has been a refuge for 190 migrants primarily from Honduras, Venezuela, El Salvador, and Haiti. However, the shelter's ability to provide support is under strain as aid dwindles and resources are stretched thin.
Martino and Alvarado, two asylum seekers residing at Casa del Migrante, have experienced harrowing ordeals, including being taken hostage during their journey to the border. Their stories reflect the broader plight of those displaced by violence and poverty in their home countries. In El Salvador, a stringent security crackdown has led to widespread human rights abuses, further driving individuals to seek safety elsewhere.
Trump's reinstatement of the "Remain in Mexico" policy, officially known as the Migrant Protection Protocols program, mandates that asylum seekers remain outside the U.S. while their claims are processed. This policy compounds the risks at the border, where crime and corruption are rampant. Many migrants, including Martino and Alvarado, have been kidnapped and held for ransom during their perilous wait.
The Casa del Migrante shelter struggles to cope with these challenges after losing one of its two volunteer counseling psychologists. Other nongovernmental organizations offer support but face financial constraints due to a 90-day pause on U.S. foreign aid spending. This aid freeze has severely limited the shelter's capacity to meet the needs of migrants and asylum seekers.
“Patience runs out, hope ends and many things must be taken into account,” said Martino, reflecting on the difficult circumstances faced by those at the border.
Despite the adversities, Martino maintains a sense of perseverance and faith.
“But calmly, with patience and a lot of faith, we put everything in God’s hands,” Martino added.
The emotional toll is undeniable.
“It was a huge blow. After all we’ve been through, all the waiting, all the hope, it’s incredibly disheartening,” he expressed.
However, there remains a flicker of optimism.
“But I’m not giving up hope that the case will be reopened, that they will at least appeal on behalf of those with approved appointments,” Martino stated.
For many asylum seekers, timing has become a source of regret.
“If I had only scheduled my appointment sooner, I would be there already.”
The dangers lurking at the border are palpable.
“There is sex trafficking, and one walks with the fear of persecution,” said Johanna Ovando, highlighting the daily threats faced by migrants.
Yet for some, returning home is not a viable option.
“It is the same over there, but it is our country,” Ovando concluded.
The U.S. government's acknowledgment of threats from organized crime at the border underscores the gravity of the situation. However, human rights groups contend that suspending asylum processing contravenes legal protections for those fleeing persecution. The economic impact of funding cuts has strained shelters like Casa del Migrante, which rely on international aid to function effectively.
