Hundreds of migrants continue to arrive at the southern border of the United States without proper documentation, despite the recent executive order restricting asylum applications. Many are unaware of the changes and confusion reigns.
Alex Román, Colombian migrant
“People are going to try, to see if they can be given the opportunity or not. Because the quality of life in other countries is quite difficult.”
The Department of Homeland Security has a strategy in place to make migrants aware of the new measures, through information sessions and visits to shelters in Mexico and other countries.
Luis Miranda, official of the Department of Homeland Security
“We have the challenge that criminal groups use advertising, WhatsApp groups and social networks like Tik Tok to lie and publish false information.”
An average of 4,000 migrants are arriving at the US southern border irregularly. But the order is in effect.
Luis Miranda, official of the Department of Homeland Security
“At this time, people who cross illegally are not only deported to their country or a third country, but are also banned from coming to the United States for five years or more.”
In the strategy of sending migrants to a third country, the president of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, said that he has no problem with receiving migrants, but that he does not see the need to use Mexico as a bridge.
Andrés Manuel López Obrador
“We are looking for them to reach an agreement so that if they make a decision to deport they do so directly and we are helping to reach that agreement.”
Among the new changes, the Biden administration shortened the time a migrant has to seek a lawyer when detained at the border.
Héctor Quiroga, immigration lawyer
“Before it was 48 hours, past administrations lowered it to 24 and now he lowered it to four hours, if you arrive at the border and they give you the opportunity to speak with a lawyer you only have four hours to get one.”
Paula Díaz, Voice of America, Washington.
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