Tens of thousands of migrants have gathered on the Mexican side of the fence, hoping for a chance to seek asylum in the United States. Anne Demmer has spoken to some of them.
Rodrigo is only about 20 meters from the rust-colored metal border fence that separates Mexico and the US. He has opened an app called CBP One that theoretically allows him to schedule an appointment with US officials to apply for asylum. However, filling out the form and uploading a photo has been a problem due to the overwhelming demand.
Many migrants are unable to book appointments using the online form and are left stranded. There are plans to set up migration centers in Guatemala and Colombia to enable people to apply for entry visas.
Rodrigo left Venezuela six months ago due to violence, poverty, and lack of opportunity but left his wife and three children behind. He lives day-to-day, sleeping wherever possible, often outdoors, and is traveling with 14 other migrants from Venezuela, Colombia, and Nicaragua who are all aiming to get to the US.
Rodrigo plans to voluntarily surrender himself to US border officials just before “Title 42” is lifted, a regulation that was implemented in March 2020 allowing for the immediate rejection of migrants seeking asylum at the border due to the pandemic.
The lifting of “Title 42” will open up the US border to many migrants, but the process remains challenging. Around 500 people are waiting for a chance to be taken by US border authorities, while only a handful of families may ultimately be allowed entry.
Many migrants have been left stranded by the overwhelming demand, unable to access the online application form through the CBP One app or other means.
Despite the lift of “Title 42,” the US government has said they will increase their enforcement of immigration laws under “Title 8,” with illegal border crossings resulting in a ban on legal entry for five years and possible imprisonment.
Despite the challenges, many migrants remain hopeful, believing they are close to their goal of reaching the US legally.
Yulisbeth, a 21-year-old from Venezuela, and her boyfriend have pitched their tent on a pavement in downtown Ciudad Juarez. They have survived harsh conditions and dangerous situations, like trekking through the Darien Jungle in Colombia. They are now excited and close to their goal of entering the US legally, but they still haven’t been able to get an appointment through the CBP One app.