A new migrant caravan has set off from Mexico’s southern border, with hundreds of individuals from various countries making the journey on foot. The group left from the town of Ciudad Hidalgo, located on the border with Guatemala, and hopes to reach the US border before the November elections.
The decision to leave in a large group was made in order to reduce the risk of being attacked by gangs or stopped by Mexican immigration officials during the journey. This is not the first time such a caravan has been organized, as many migrants have found strength and security in traveling together.
However, the journey ahead is not without its challenges. Mexico has recently implemented stricter measures to prevent migrants from reaching the US border, making it more difficult for them to travel by bus or train. Additionally, travel permits are rarely awarded to those who do not have visas, leading to thousands of migrants being detained and sent back to southern Mexico.
For these individuals, the stakes are high. Many fear that if Donald Trump wins the upcoming election, he will follow through on his promise to close the border to asylum-seekers. With the current administration, many migrants have been able to use the CBP One app to request appointments at US border posts to make their cases for asylum. However, there is a possibility that this avenue may be closed off in the future, leading to uncertainty and urgency for those trying to make it to the US before the election.
As the migrant caravan makes its way north, it is important to remember the reasons why these individuals have chosen to leave their home countries. Many are fleeing violence, poverty, and other dire circumstances, with the hope of finding a better life for themselves and their families in the United States. Despite being labeled as “invaders” by President Trump in recent comments, these migrants are simply seeking opportunities to improve their lives.
One migrant, Oswaldo Reyna from Cuba, expressed his frustration with the negative portrayal of migrants. He emphasized that they are not delinquents, but rather hard-working individuals who have left their countries in search of a better future.
The migrant crisis is a complex and ongoing issue, and governments and individuals must approach it with empathy and understanding. We can only hope for a peaceful and safe journey for these migrants, and a resolution to the larger issues at hand.