A report from MailOnline released on April 5, 2024, migrants in Mexico eyeing the journey across the southern border into the United States are voicing their allegiance to Joe Biden, fearing exclusion should Donald Trump secure re-election in November.
Hailing from various strife-ridden nations, hundreds of migrants currently reside in dismal camps in Matamoros, enduring grueling conditions as they await appointments with Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
These migrants, who have embarked on treacherous journeys from their unstable homelands and applied for legal entry via the CBP One app, fret over the prospect of Trump thwarting their sole opportunity for lawful entry into the US.
During his tenure, Trump imposed stringent immigration measures, slashing visas and green cards, consequently curtailing legal avenues for entry.
Richard Betancourt, a 46-year-old pipe fitter, voiced his apprehensions, declaring, “If it’s Trump, it doesn’t matter how much I work or want to work. They won’t let me in.”
Similarly, Daniel Cortez, a 45-year-old mechanic from Honduras, echoed, “I want Biden to win.”
Awaiting emails for their appointments, these migrants cling to hope that their arduous months-long odyssey won’t be futile.
Living conditions in the camps are dire, with mildew-covered tents, malodorous portable toilets, and litter strewn around.
Despite adversities, a sense of solidarity and camaraderie prevails among the migrants.
In contrast to those attempting illegal crossings by swimming the Rio Grande or scaling walls, asylum-seekers in Matamoros opted for legal avenues via the CBP One app, enabling them to claim asylum and await border interviews before potential release into the US pending hearings on their claims’ validity.
Primarily comprising Venezuelans escaping turmoil in their homeland, the majority of migrants in Matamoros confront a challenging journey marked by peril and uncertainty.
Alejandra Falcon, a 26-year-old migrant from Caracas, embarked on an eight-month expedition with her brother and a fellow Venezuelan, involving multiple modes of transport and a hazardous trek across the notorious Darién Gap.
Their journey teems with dangers, including the specters of assault, theft, and encounters with venomous reptiles, compounded by the looming threat of exploitation or deportation if they venture beyond Mexico City.
Furthermore, they grapple with the constant menace of gangs engaged in kidnapping and extortion.
Yet, amidst adversity, hope persists.
Maria Victoria Colmenares, a 27-year-old migrant who endured a seven-month wait in Mexico City for her CBP One appointment, remarked, “It’s worth the wait because it brings a reward.”
As they endure the wait, migrants keenly observe the US election, yearning for improved prospects of lawful entry with a Biden triumph.
