A new caravan of over 1,500 asylum seekers has set out from southern Mexico with the goal of reaching the US border before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office. The migrants, primarily from Venezuela, Cuba, Haiti, Colombia, Guatemala, and Honduras, began their journey north from Tapachula, a city near Mexico’s border with Guatemala.
The group embarked on their journey under the cover of darkness to avoid the intense daytime heat, with some hoping to cross the border before Trump’s inauguration on January 20. There are concerns among the migrants that Trump may eliminate the CPB One app program, which allows asylum seekers to schedule appointments with immigration officials, once he takes office.
The CPB One app program was implemented last year by the Biden administration to manage the influx of migrants crossing the border illegally. With approximately 1,450 daily appointment slots available through the program, the migrants fear potential deportations and stricter immigration policies under Trump’s administration.
The decision to start the caravan’s journey comes after Trump threatened to impose 25% tariffs on Mexican products if the country failed to curb the flow of migrants towards the US border. Last week, Trump claimed that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum had agreed to halt unauthorized migration.
Sheinbaum, in response, assured that measures would be taken to address migrants and caravans before they reach the border, expressing optimism about avoiding a tariff dispute with the US. This exchange follows the dissolution of two smaller caravans that headed towards the southern border following Trump’s election victory, which were disbanded by Mexican authorities.
Some migrants in the current caravan mentioned their willingness to seek employment in northern Mexican industrial cities if their journey is interrupted. Tapachula, where the caravan originated, is saturated with migrants and offers limited work opportunities, prompting migrants to consider alternative locations for employment.
While some migrants would consider staying in Mexico if viable job prospects were available, the majority are determined to reach the US in pursuit of a better life for themselves and their families. The journey reflects the ongoing challenges faced by asylum seekers seeking refuge and opportunities beyond their home countries.
Source: New York Post
