Background and Context
In response to the stringent immigration policies implemented by the U.S. government under Donald Trump, a caravan of approximately 1,500 migrants from various nationalities set off on Wednesday from southern Mexico, heading towards the capital city of Mexico. Their objective is to demand legal documents that would allow them to regularize their status.
The Journey Begins
The migrants embarked on their journey during the early hours from Tapachula, a city situated on the border with Guatemala. They carried a sign that read, “With papers, we can contribute more to Mexico. Papers, not persecution.”
As they walked along the highway, Mexican immigration agents observed their progress.
Motivations for Staying in Mexico
Jorge Luis Rivera, a 56-year-old Cuban migrant, explained to AFP that he decided to remain in Mexico rather than attempt to enter the United States. “I want to make a life in Mexico,” he stated, adding that he hopes for assistance and residency papers to stay in the country.
Rebeca García, a 26-year-old migrant from the same nationality, echoed similar sentiments. “We are not given papers, nor legal status, and we lack employment,” she expressed.
Impact of U.S. Immigration Policies
Following the stricter immigration policies enforced by the Trump administration, Mexico has become a destination for hundreds of migrants. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the U.S. announced at the end of September that over two million undocumented immigrants left the country voluntarily or were forced to leave since Trump took office at the beginning of January.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the migrants? The migrants consist of individuals from various nationalities who have chosen to remain in Mexico instead of attempting to enter the United States.
- Why are they marching? They are demanding legal documents to regularize their status in Mexico.
- What prompted this exodus from the U.S.? The stringent immigration policies implemented by the Trump administration have led to many migrants leaving the U.S. voluntarily or being forced out.
- What are the migrants’ primary concerns? Their main issues include a lack of legal status, papers, and employment opportunities.
